Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Photo & Video => Topic started by: HoofsandWings on June 16, 2013, 09:49:35 AM

Title: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 16, 2013, 09:49:35 AM: When do I start setting up trail cams for the rifle elk season?

I presume I have to put them in places that archers and muzzleloaders would not frequent, at least not very often.
I am thinking of putting the cameras on lessor used trails to avoid the herds of bowmen.
Harvest stats suggest there will be over a thousand bowmen.

How many feet off the ground? I know about pointing north and making sure about branches and leaves do not trigger the cameras.
Any thoughts about plot watching cameras for use prior to modern rifle season?
Thanks
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: buglebuster on June 16, 2013, 10:25:03 AM: I would have them out now where you plan on hunting, even though the elk will be doing things a bit differently in lat october/early november. I would probably pull the cams before archery/muzzy season, and put them back out after. No sense getting a cam stolen especially when the elk are being run all over :dunno: hope this helps, and good luck :tup:
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 17, 2013, 06:40:10 PM: Right now the elk are up high. I am not sure how many stay behind in the lower elevations.
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 20, 2013, 10:30:17 AM: Thanks. I plan to make the 5 hour drive to drop off the cameras in the next couple of weeks.
Sleeping on that corregated truck bed will be fun. :yike:
I have to make sure the weather is dry. Rain in face is no fun. :bdid:
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 21, 2013, 04:10:02 PM: I had to get out the book for my Bushnell Trophy cam. It took a while to set up.
The primos ultra 46 was a lot quicker.
Next I have to walk in front of each camera at 30, 40, 50 and 60 feet to see how far the sensor detects movement.
I figure about 4 feet off the ground is the right height. Please correct me if I am wrong.
I have set it for 2 or 3 photos, then wait 30 seconds before more photos.
For the Bushnell, I set the sensitivity to high, since it is summer and will be warm (80-100 degrees).
I am certainly open to advice. I will be soaking for 90 days.
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: cougfan79 on June 22, 2013, 11:44:34 AM: Quote from: HoofsandWings on June 21, 2013, 04:10:02 PM
I had to get out the book for my Bushnell Trophy cam. It took a while to set up.
The primos ultra 46 was a lot quicker.
Next I have to walk in front of each camera at 30, 40, 50 and 60 feet to see how far the sensor detects movement.
I figure about 4 feet off the ground is the right height. Please correct me if I am wrong.
I have set it for 2 or 3 photos, then wait 30 seconds before more photos.
For the Bushnell, I set the sensitivity to high, since it is summer and will be warm (80-100 degrees).
I am certainly open to advice. I will be soaking for 90 days.

What size SD card will you be using. By taking 2-3 photos every 30 seconds you will fill the smaller card within first ten days. Check to see if you can lower the quality of the photo and use 8GB cards or bigger and maybe even going to 1 minute or more between pictures. Most deer and elk will hang out for a while if you plan on using an attractant.

Just some thoughts that might help
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 23, 2013, 05:34:09 PM: Thanks. I set them at 30 minutes.
I am looking at presence/absense of elk. Antlers or no antlers makes no difference.
I am hoping to see some sort of pattern over the 60 days.
If I see no elk, I know I am wasting my time in the area.
After archery, I will either keep them in the same place or find a new spot.
Depends on what I see in the pictures. Maybe there will be nothing there.
Title: Re: Question about Trail cams for fall rifle season
Post by: HoofsandWings on June 28, 2013, 10:02:29 PM: Well as usual, my hunting partner bailed due to heat.
So I will be setting the cameras myself.
Hopefully no one steals one.
I have a couple mile hike in the afternoon sun.
I have not hiked in the 80's for a few decades.