I run 3 - 4 cams on my 45 acres year round. I run them on things they want/need. Food, minerals and water. These sites each have their moments with water being the best producer, when it is available. Things I have learned. I see how bucks develop their antlers, I know that I have 10 antlered deer and 4 antlerless deer that use my land. By using the time of day and the direction they came in the picture, I get ideas of where they come from in the evenings. I know that mature bucks are way less predictable than young bucks. I'm still learning things. What have you learned?
I also run my cameras year-round and I think the main thing I have learned is the pattern for bucks changes drastically through out the year. When I first began using cameras I would get a couple of good bucks in the summer and I would always think game on. Then I would never even see that buck during the season. I learned that just because I would see him in the summer didn't translate to him being there in the fall. Now, if I see a buck starting in the spring and consistantly get his picture through out the year, then I'm pretty sure he's a resident and the chances of him being in the area are much greater come fall. I've also gotten many good bucks after the season ends that I never got pics of in the summer or fall. I'm not sure of the reason for this. The final thing I would say on this subject is those who think you can hang a camera and then easily go kill the buck you photographed are either very misimformed or just plain ignorant about deer. Great question by the way. Blessings.......Pastorjim
Pastorjim, I have seen that too and can't wait to see the next batch of pics to learn more! Thanks. I've also noticed that the 2 1/2 yo bucks disappear the most. Some may be back in a year or two but most are gone.
PastorJim, you pointed out that you would get a lot of pictures of certain deer in the summer and they would disappear come fall. This was definitely the case when I first started using cams as well, I just couldn't find them anymore come fall. My first few years hunting I actually lost confidence in my stands due to the fact nothing was showing up on cams. So one thing I have learned is that you must be mobile with your cameras and be ahead of the game. Great thread here...
I have learned to move my cameras at certain times of the year. I have also learned if you want to get some very good pics you have to be willing to get some really crappy ones and look through some blank pics. I have narrowed down over the years what cameras I like and what ones I do not. Like PastorJim said just because you know a buck is there doesnt make it really easy to kill him. Some times only moving a camera a few feet or even just turning it around can make a huge difference.
