Issue: Too many pictures

[EsotericPA]

This has probably been addressed before but I couldn't find it... I set up a camera this last summer and it has been taking hundreds of pictures without seemingly anything triggering it.  The only thing that makes sense is a branch or something moves and triggers it.  Is there a rule of thumb as to how far away from branches or tall grass a camera should be? There are literally 30-40 pictures at a time, every 15 seconds, of the area without any discernible changes Thanks for helping a novice camera user out!


 

[jrebel]

Wind, Shadows, birds, etc will trigger cameras.  I make sure I point my cameras facing north if at all possible.......never south into the sun.  I cut down brush and branches if at all possible.  Make sure your camera is on a big enough tree that it will not move in the wind....triggering pics.  If you camera has a sensitivity setting, change that.  Grass, has always been the worst culprit in my experience. 

[EsotericPA]

Wind, Shadows, birds, etc will trigger cameras.  I make sure I point my cameras facing north if at all possible.......never south into the sun.  I cut down brush and branches if at all possible.  Make sure your camera is on a big enough tree that it will not move in the wind....triggering pics.  If you camera has a sensitivity setting, change that.  Grass, has always been the worst culprit in my experience.

Okay thank you. I appreciate the feedback. It was facing south, and I notice sometimes the pictures are all whited out. I assume it's from the sun. I should have done more research!

[buckfvr]

Get it up from the ground and get rid of all the wigglies.  CHange sensativity, and interval.  Also, if you have a low end cam, trigger speed and recovery time may give you issues.  Read the manual.  Trailcampro does great reviews and lists all specs for comparison if you dont already know that.  Not suggesting you havent already done whats necessary, just a reminder.......

[EsotericPA]

Get it up from the ground and get rid of all the wigglies.  CHange sensativity, and interval.  Also, if you have a low end cam, trigger speed and recovery time may give you issues.  Read the manual.  Trailcampro does great reviews and lists all specs for comparison if you dont already know that.  Not suggesting you havent already done whats necessary, just a reminder.......

I appreciate all suggestions and reminders, as it is likely I am unaware haha.  I'll look in to it!

[jackelope]

I always had my cameras about 4’ off the ground taking 1 pic every 30 seconds and I knocked down all the grass and trimmed limbs in front of it all the way out to the target area or bait pile or whatever. Set them up facing north or south that way you’ll get less sun bleached pictures when the sun rises or sets.

[Kamo2112]

Make sure it's not on "Time Lapse" mode. That will fill a card quickly.

[Gentrys]

The wind is the worst.  Moving branches and grass always set them off.

[Skyvalhunter]

It all depends on the trail cam as some have a longer and wider detection range. I suggest you do some pruning and pick a more open spot with less brush or in the timber with less brush

[Basinguy]

After running a ton of cameras (25 year around), you get to understand what each camera handles. Most of them are all sensitive during the summer months, and not so much during the winter months. The cheap ones typically trigger anything that moves, especially once the sun starts hitting them, soo I put these cameras in well shaded areas. My stealth cams can be put out in the open, but that means you gotta lock em up. If Im putting up a cell camera with an external battery and solar panel set up, I will clear out everything that could mess with it. Like, I go overboard with all kinds of tools I take with me (rake, pruners). I hate having to go back in after a stupid twig blowing up my email. like I said, you get to know your gear and that just takes time.

[davk]

Anything between the camera and where an animal will trigger it has to go if you dont want false pics.  Some cameras you can change the sensitivity.  Not sure what cameras you run but most of mine are around 100$.  Im not making them any worse at picking up game than they already are.  I keep it on high.  Make sure any branches are well clear of the sensor.  Wind can blow them in, rain and snow can make them sag and bring them into view.  Tall grass will trigger, branches blowing in the wind will trigger, changing light will trigger ... both shining into the lens and just lighting up the brush.  I usually expect about a 50% or worse false pics.