Hunting Washington Forum

Community => Photo & Video => Topic started by: Dmanmastertracker on October 27, 2008, 12:28:54 PM

Title: Trail Cams Bad Idea Just Prior to Season?
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on October 27, 2008, 12:28:54 PM: Like a lot of guys here I'm a newbie to the trail cam, first season with one. I've noticed that the deer definitely modify their patterns and habits after the cam has been up a while, even going through the trouble to go around it, rather than in front on it on the trail. My preliminary thought is it's a good idea to use it only well before the season to get a general idea what's around, any other thoughts/ experiences?
Title: Re: Trail Cams Bad Idea During Season?
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on October 27, 2008, 02:18:43 PM: In re-reading my post, I should say -just prior to the season, rather than during the season. I have not had my camera out during the bow season, but just prior to.
Title: Re: Trail Cams Bad Idea Just Prior to Season?
Post by: Black Ghost on October 27, 2008, 06:07:24 PM: I haven't found them to change any habits, they are just as unpredictable before the cam as after placement. I have had lots of bucks in the cam, but hunting season brings lots of pressure and they kinda scatter. Still most of my pictures are at night.
There is a blog I read from time to time and he has been doing a study on cougar urine, and it is pretty interesting to see how deer react or don't react to a scent you would think would send them running.
http://gamecamera-logbook.blogspot.com/
Try this link and scroll down just a little bit.
Title: Re: Trail Cams Bad Idea Just Prior to Season?
Post by: Slider on October 28, 2008, 06:48:44 PM: I havn't notice a change in animal patterns while using mine for the last 3 years!!! :dunno:
Title: Re: Trail Cams Bad Idea Just Prior to Season?
Post by: bow4elk on October 28, 2008, 07:07:34 PM: All I know is that I've got at least 10 branch bucks in my area and I have yet to see one in person, meaning I have not seen a buck with my eyes :o while out scouting, shed hunting, setting up cams, or hunting. Same for bears. I've got four different bears, and all of them are mixed in with deer pics from the same locations. I typically check them every week or two and it's crazy to see deer feeding where just an hour earlier stood a bear.

I just read a study last night about pressure on mature whitetails that pretty much turns traditional thinking on its ear. Mature whitetails don't get "pushed" out of their home ranges even with the worst of pressure. Instead they get really good at hiding in the nastiest thickest crap around. To prove the point, they tracked collared bucks and literally had to get within mere feet of them in order to move them from their beds. and they were bedding in ditches along roads, thicket berry patches near homes, and open CRP land where people simply wouldn't even consider looking when given the choice to hit the timber. I've seen blacktails lay down and crawl. I have no doubt that I am seen constantly in my area, and the proof of the bucks still using all the same areas is captured each week on my cams.

At the very least, it provides confidence in my hunting area and will keep me motivated to hunt smart every time I head out.
Title: Re: Trail Cams Bad Idea Just Prior to Season?
Post by: sporked horn on November 01, 2008, 10:00:24 PM: I have never had any problems with bucks avoiding my cams, they sometimes come right to it. That said I try to avoid any area for several weeks before season.