hey guys, I currently lock all my trail cams (ones that are worth something to me) The cheap ones I don't lock. I use lock boxes with a python cable. I have yet to have a camera stolen and hope it never happens, but I know its bound to happen at some point. Well last bow season I had a key break off in the lock of the python cable so I had to use my grandpas bolt cutters. Needless to say that cable was cut in a matter of seconds. I was wondering, is there any cable out there that you cannot cut with easily ready tools? Granted if I have a key break off in a lock with a non-cut cable then I know I have to cut the tree. Thoughts?
No matter what you use people can get the camera if they really want it. Bringing cutters back, taking down the tree, hacksaw through the tabs the lock goes through. There is no absolute system. I think the 5-10% of people who would steal it don't want the hassle of getting tools and going back for it. Main thing is don't make it easy for them to steal it.
I use the python 3/16" cables. Walmart has them for $9 each. I'm only using $40 cameras so if one does get snagged it won't hurt too much.
Get your cams about 10 ft up....amazing how many people don`t notice them or if they do, they can`t reach them.
Thanks guys, i'll continue to use the python locks then. It was a pain the *** to hike back to the camera after getting bolt cutters so I see the point lol. Right now I run 1 Reconyx HC500, 1 Bushnell Black Flash, 1 Simmons Pro, and then also just sold a 2011 Bushnell Trophy Cam so i'll be buying a new Browning to replace that one this year. I'm almost contemplating on selling my Reconyx and getting 2 Browning cameras. That way if one does get ripped off I'm out out about 150 bucks versus the expensive Reconyx. Thoughts? I've had the Reconyx for 4 yrs now with no issues but the thought of having a 450 dollar camera strapped to the tree.....
Shielded padlocks and lockboxes are about the best you can do but if someone wants it bad enough, they will get it. Blessings..........Pastorjim
Anyone have any idea how much a used Reconyx HC500 is worth? Whats a good asking price? Its in really good condition and has no issues
Hey Montec, any tips for hanging one up higher in a tree? I have a spot on public land where I will be leaving a cam for a few months without going back. Any tips for angling it and or how to keep it from tripping on the grass in the wind?
Sorry, don't take it as an insult... I just read the post about you cutting a cable protecting your camera, then a few posts later that camera is for sale... First thing that came to my mind was, it would be a good story for someone trying to sell a stolen camera. (not saying you did...) And it's the reason I never buy used trail cams. That's all...
OOOOOH LOL I get what your saying. Nope not the case. Definitely not a thief. The reason I'm thinking about selling it is because of the fact of the value of it being stolen. The place I hunt we are slowly getting more people showing up which sucks and I'm afraid of someone ripping off a cam. I know its bound to happen but my thought was if I used cameras that were not worth as much I'd be better off and if one did get stolen it wouldn't hurt as much. Lets say I sold my reconyx for 300 then I could go buy 2 Brownings for that and still have a good working camera. That's all my thinking was. If anyone doubts me, I could easily show tons of pictures I have gotten with my Reconyx. I know they sell brand new for 449.00 so wasn't exactly sure how much they hold value and how much I could sell it for to buy 2 other not so expensive cams.
They are no doubt the best cam on the market, but as you mention, I couldn't bring myself to leave a $450 cam in the woods. There's just no way, especially on Public land. Heck, I feel a little crazy for leaving my three Coverts and one Cuddeback out there! I will say that I've been VERY FORTUNATE not having one taken or messed with on Public land in 13 years. May my good fortune continue. lol
Yea, exactly what I'm thinking. That's why I'm contemplating on selling the Reconyx and getting 2 Spypoints or 2 Brownings. That way I the rare occurance happens then it doesn't hurt as much.
I agree. If one of my Coverts gets snagged, I won't feel AS BAD, because I know I've got back-ups. I'm thinking that after the first one get's stolen, the odds of it happening again anytime soon aren't real good. lol