Trail Cam Ettiquet

[t6]

I found a trail cam and tree stand on public land.  I always carry my laptop with me so I can communicate with work if necessary so I thought .... Whats the harm in checking the guys cam to see what he's baiting for.  There was obviously some bait left on a stump but it was so dried out, it was tough to tell what it was.

Nothing too impressive however, because the guy didn't properly set his time and day it was impossible to tell how often and when the deer were coming in.  The only real info the card gave was what he was using for bait.

I set the date and time, replaced his card, and re-baited for deer.  I even replaced the batteries once.  I checked back a few times but it wasn't a great spot.  Very little action and whoever put it there was not real good about replacing his bait regularly.

The cam and tree stand have now been moved.

Should I have just left it alone?  If you figured out someone was checking your camera but not deleting your photos, would you move your camera?  Do you think he moved the camera because of me or because it was a crappy site?

[3nails]

 I would not touch someone elses property. I would also move it if I knew someone else knew where it was.

[buglebuster]

 

[Button Nubbs]

 

if someone find my camera it comes down. probably why its now gone.

[bobcat]

I wouldn't be too happy if I found out someone was checking my trail camera all the time. I don't want anyone touching my cameras. I try not to check them too often anyway, as I don't want to leave any more human scent than necessary. But that was nice of you to replace his batteries, and the guy was probably just glad you didn't take the camera. I guess he must have got pictures of you and didn't want to take a chance.

[JimmyHoffa]

Yeah I wouldn't touch anyone else's trailcam (or any other property for that matter).  Now if it was Bobcat's it might get a picture of the one-eared elephant or something, but that's it.

[bobcat]

Nobody's found mine yet and I've had five out for the last 6 months. I did get a picture of a dog a couple weeks ago so I assume there must have been a guy in the vicinity. The cameras is now moved to a different location.

[UptheCreek]

I got boxes with locks on all mine so unless you got a key or bolt cutters handy, probably not going to check mine.  That being said if I found a trail cam I would be tempted to see what it has on it....

[seth30]

It was nice on the battery part, but what if they guy or gal came around the corner as you were touching there property   It could have eneded badly, and repeated returns to the sight increased those chances.    When I find the cameras I just give them a wave since, and hope to see my pic on here someday

[Axle]

If an honest person found my cam, I would say hi and thank them for changing the batteries. People see and find other people's property all the time. 

[GoPlayOutside]

The key word is "public land". 
I'm not a Trail Cam guy, so immediately I say, "If you don't want your stuff messed with, don't leave it out in the woods on public land."
However,  I don't think you should mess with anyone else's stuff either.

Nice guy...replacing the batteries!

[JCKILLSHOT]

I would rather have someone check my cameras then steal them. I've thought about leaving a note w my email address, so if they wanted to send me the pictures they could but if not I would have already checked them!

[stickbuck]

I am in the boat that your hands do not need to touch someone else's property such as a trailcam even it is on public land. I know I wouldn't appreciate it and alot of guys and gals on here wouldn't either. Just because it's on public land, doesn't mean it's fair game. I park my truck on public land when I'm hunting and it wouldn't be legal to go through my truck, etc. Basically, keep your hands and your curiosity to yourself!! 

[dscubame]

I like it.  Feel free to check my card, correct date and time if needed, freshin up the bait, and if batteries are low and you replace them I will leave you $5 reimbursement in the cam for the next time you check "our" pictures on the card. 

May I add T6 that you remind me of the way most people use to be a generation or two ago.  Cheers.

[CastleRocker]

I've came across a couple trail cams while out in the woods.  I may leave the owner with some goofy pics, but that's it.

A friend of mine has done that exact thing on several occasions when he finds someone elses trailcam!  He has been known to strip naked (except for his boots), and hold shed horns that he has found that day or just branches on top of his head and run around in front of the camera.  Then when he hears the story from someone who knows somebody has trailcam pics of "some crazy naked guy with horns on his head", he just laughs.   

I've never messed with other folks' cameras, but I've found a few.  If you find one of mine, feel free to take a look at my pics, and replace the batteries if need be.  Leave me a note, and I'll gladly reimburse you.  Just don't steal it please.

[h20hunter]

I would jump around, take my shirt off, maybe leap from the bushes like an albino sasquatch...but I'd not mess with it.

[billythekidrock]

Just remember that viewing a tcam card in your camera can make it so that the original tcam can't read it until it is formated.