After a few years of using trail cameras, I've run into similar instances where within the first week I'd get pictures of some nice bucks, but after a few pictures...POOF! they don't show up again. Could this be because of the human scent left on the cameras when I put them out? How many of you spray your cameras with scent killer? How far do you go to be "stealthy" while putting up cameras? Also, how often do you check them?
I have never sprayed down any of my trail cameras. I do try to be as scent free as possible when I go and put out, or check cameras. I do not hang around the area long either, get in and get out as quickly and quietly as you can. Also I play the wind when I am checking cameras. I dont check cameras on my lease if the wind is blowing into a bedding area near the camera.
Also do not check them too often, I know this is hard if you are getting pics of big bucks. They will not tolerate alot of intrusion before they move.
I'd say checking them to often is the biggest sin you can commit with a trailcam. Also intruding into a bedding area is pretty high up on the unforgivable list. Blessings.......Pastorjiim
I don't spray my cameras. I also check them about once a week. I will say a lot depends on where your cameras are located mine are on food plots so I could check them everyday if I wanted too and not bother the deer but if you place them near bedding areas you need to be more careful when you check them and how often. Obviously I check them mid-day. :D
I am a sprayer,not just the cam but all around the cam site almost anything i touch with a baking soda water mix in a sprayer,I even use my knee high rubber boots and gloves and when i can just before or during a rain shower and i leave the cams as long as i can. But just like hunting the more you visit the site the less deer you will see kind of like hanging a stand some deer will just avoid it after finding something new in there area even if it is just by walking around it. Deer are funny some dont seem to care about the ir lighting and others run from it.
PHP: I've never sprayed in the 6 years I've been using trail cameras. Checking them too often, like others have said, can be your biggest fault. During the off season I try to only check them every couple of weeks or so. I know some guys drive right up to there cameras and switch cards out and then drive out.
I never spray my cams but I do grab a handful of weeds or dirt and rub it in my hands really good and I check my cams every 2-3 days. I also wear a pair of vinyl rainsuit pants and rubber boots that have never been anywhere off the farm every time I checked them.
when i started using the cams in video mode the need for more stealth was more apparent as was the ir lighting was changing the way the deer moved around the cams as also the need for more scent control in putting the cams up. I generally wait for a storm front to come thru helping to wash the scent away.Like i say some deer dont care but others do and it always seems it the others that have a big rack that are the most sensitive to intrusions in there home turf. Right now the only cams i have out are 11-13 feet up in the trees but dont make for good pics but i hope the cam stays there this time,ya know baby steps.
