Seasons for hunting deer are about to begin across the country. That means that there will soon be a lot of hunting going on. It’s still a while off, though. Scout mode is all you’ll get for the time being. For deer hunting, this is the best trail camera plan you’ll find. It’s a lot of work to get through it all. However, it’s well worth your time to read through it.
Prepare Your Cameras.
In the same way, I’m a regular Joe hunter like you. Buying a large number of Cuddelink cameras is out of my financial reach. Couldn’t it? Cameras that do the job well. On the other hand, this isn’t a possibility. Use what you have, but make sure it’s in good working order before you put it out.
Things to keep in mind:
- Recharge or replace any worn-out batteries.
- Clean the battery contacts with a damp cloth.
- Make certain that the cameras are well sealed.
- The SD cards should be emptied and reformatted.
- Make sure your camera’s settings are correct (date, time, etc.).
- Understand the various areas of coverage
Without the proper equipment, your trail camera efforts will be ineffective. You need a sufficient number of cameras to cover the area you intend to hunt. According to some sources, one camera should be placed on every 100 acres. In an ideal world, that would be sufficient to take care of most bucks, whose home ranges typically cover 600-650 acres. When it comes to my own farm, I don’t adhere to the 100-acre rule.
Why? Due to the fact that deer are unable to read scripts. The number of times I’ve set up two trail cameras within 100 to 200 yards of one another and observed two completely different deer is beyond my comprehension. Yes, deer did indeed make an appearance at both locations. The 100-acre rule hasn’t always worked for me, but I’ve seen enough instances where it didn’t that I’m not so sure. Deer are free spirits who do what they please. The shape of a home range doesn’t have to be circular, triangular, or anything else. Deer home ranges come in all shapes and sizes, and so do the routes they take within them.
To be honest, the number of acres I have per camera isn’t something I think about all that much. Instead, I hunt for the best places to set up cameras so that I can get the best shots of deer. A single camera could cover an area of 100 acres. That could mean that I have three cameras covering a 100-acre area. Every situation is unique, and it never stays the same.
Keep an eye on the prize
This is the snag that many people run into. Be in the right mindset for the season. In essence, that’s what you’re up to. You’re on the prowl for them, armed with a digital camera. If you can, take advantage of their seasonal patterns.
Food reigns supreme
It’s important to concentrate on this one thing. Then there’s water. Bedding and a security cover should not be overlooked either. You have a better understanding of the land you’re hunting than anyone else. These are the things to look for. In addition, keep an eye out for deer trails. In areas where deer are forced to close their jaws, place the traps.
Getting the Camera Setup Right
The camera’s position is critical. Quality photos are required in order to tell apart different deer, and this can be accomplished by strategically placing your cameras. The following points should be kept in mind:
- Hang cameras from your waist (3 to 4 feet).
- Cameras should not be positioned too high or too low.
- The 45-degree angle is best for trail cameras.
- Make sure the cameras are firmly fastened down so that they don’t move.
- Remove all branches, grass, and other debris from the area in front of the lens.
Notice that I recommended a trail camera height of 3 to 4 feet. That’s a rule I sometimes adhere to, and other times I don’t. As for how well my cameras blend in, that is up to them. In this case, if they’re well-hidden, I’ll let them go. In the event that they are too low, I adjust their height and angle them downwards by six to seven feet. When they’re at eye level, they’re less likely to notice your camera than when they’re looking up.
Distinguishing Features of Bucks
One buck can’t be confused with another. The majority of the time, it’s simple. But there are times when it isn’t. Here are a few of the physical characteristics that make it easier to do:
- The color of one’s skin
- Patterns of fur
- Colour of the fur
- Size of a human being
- Spread of antlers
- Mass of antlers
- Length of the tin
- Points of interest
In order to tell one buck from another, there are a lot of small things you can look for. It’s impossible to identify a deer by its appearance alone. As you study trail camera images, this will become more apparent.
Ways to Make Your Trail Cameras Scare Less Deer
- Trail cameras are a step forward in technology. Incorrect applications, however, can render them completely useless. Are your trail cameras frightening deer? If you don’t use these seven methods, you’re more than likely going to fail.
- There is no longer a need for large, clunky cameras. Too many people will notice. Additionally, the more massive models appeared to be noisier. Use smaller and quieter cams if you want to scare away fewer deer. Keep deer out of sight, first and foremost.
- Forget the flashes, too. LEDs are the way to go. Deer will be less likely to see your cameras if you do this. This simple trick will help you keep your cameras hidden.
- Cameras don’t come with Realtree camo on them for no reason at all.” Invest in camouflaged cameras. Cameras will be easier to hide with this.
- Consider “brushing in” your cameras to further enhance their camouflage appeal. The camouflaged cameras will be even more difficult to detect as a result of this. Also, you can do something like this if you want to go all out. That’s a lot of steel.
- Don’t place a camera directly in front of a deer’s face. In order to hide them, hang them from a high place. “Out of sight, out of mind,” as the saying goes. The same is true for deer trail cameras.
- The scent is crucial, as it always has been. Spray your cameras down after handling them to minimize the risk of contaminating them. When inspecting them, be sure to do so with gloves on and with the wind at your back. These are also things you can do to avoid scaring the deer away from your property.
- This may be the most important tip on this list for preventing deer from spotting your cameras. In order to avoid frightening deer, place them in places where they won’t be disturbed. Cameras should not be placed in or near sleeping areas. Instead, place them in areas where you won’t be walking too close to bedded deer, such as near food and water sources. When deer aren’t on their hind legs, you should only check these traps.
Endnote
We must always exercise extreme caution when storing the images captured by our trail cameras. One copy of each photo should be saved to your computer, either through this method or one of your own inventions. Use an external hard drive to store your backups. The hard drive should be stored in a place that is cool and dry, and you should back up your com
