So, just getting in to and REALLY interested in sticking a deer this year. I have learned alot from my brother but have come up stumped ALOT. Today we went out and started looking at our cams and they are by NO means the best of them. I think we paid 140 for two of them from the worlds foremost out-fitters. The problem had is that we have baited and put the cams on nice visible walk paths and every time these things take pictures we are getting shadows....Is there something that I am missing? The cams are just catching the butt end of a walk by? Is this just simply because they AREN'T the best or what?
It could be that the cameras have a slow trigger speed. One thing you have to do when putting them on a trail is to point them down the trail, never across it. If the trigger speed is slower, you will still get a picture of the deer as it is in front of the camera's line of sight longer with this tactic.
Ditto on what Dan said, it depends on what unit you are using, but setting the camera aiming down the trail instead of across it should help. I noticed that you said you baited the area, if that is the case and the deer are stopping then there is no real reason why you shouldn't be capturing pictures of the deer unless the camera isn't set at the correct height. It would have to be drastically high or low to do this though.
I'm kinda leaning to what Buck said, maybe your cam Isn't facing the direction It needs to be. Also on what Dan said, trigger speed means allot. You do get what you pay for these days when buying trail cams.
Honestly, this is absolutely true. While I only have one trailcam, and haven't purchased any since, my first and only so far is a cheapy sub $100 from Gander Mtn (WildView). The battery life is horrendous, and the trigger speed left a lot to be desired. Needless to say, I don't even have it out anymore. Invest in a solid reputable brand (no need to spend $500+ on one though).
For the budget minded sportsman, the Moultries are a great choices. If I was spending, I be all over a Reconyx through.
x2... You can't go wrong with a moultrie.. Even the cheaper the $99 D40's are excellent cameras..Great quality for the price. All the others have provided very good info in terms of setting the cam up on trails. If you know specific well used trails, I've found that after some trial and error with angles you can "force" a deer to have its picture taken. (if its walking that area obviously) Even if you dont have a real expensive camera with really fast trigger speed, it is still possible to get good pics. It just takes some practice Good luck to you, once you get started, you'll be addicted
Do yourself a favor. Stay away from Stealthcam. Although they do have some outstanding Customer Support. They do not have that great of a product. Cold weather eats all batteries quickly. I went through three cameras from the store, before I got one that worked...period. The first two did nothing but flash, and take pics of white. The one I got now is cool, and all, it's just too pricy for eating the batteries so quickly.
Check out the Scoutguard 550. They have a lot of nice features and will not hurt the pocket book to bad. I have had good luck with them.
Alright Thank you all for you help, and I mean no disrespect in saying it but I Think we have beat the issue up to ends of the earth. Thank all of you that have sent a reply with all of your vast knowledge! I can't wait to ask a question that just simply stumps everyone....Like how do you shoot your own hand with a compound bow? hahaha. Again thanks for all the feed back. Good luck at your next or newest venture. I am sure I will have a million other rediculous questions.
....Like how do you shoot your own hand with a compound bow? is that like a why did the chicken cross the road ?
