(This is a Article written by TCC Member Waylen Frederick on Trail Cams.Waylen has 25 years experience and this article is loaded with good information.- Tom)
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Setting a Game Camera |
TRAIL CAMS
Things to consider when selecting a trail camera.
1) Try selecting a camera with a higher mega pixel rating. An 8 MP camera will take considerably better images than a camera with a 2 MP rating.
2) Camera range can be anywhere from 20 feet to 50 feet. This is the maximum range in which the sensor in the sensor in the camera will detect motion or heat. This is also the maximum range for flash.
3) Cameras can also have a delay period from 1 min to 15 sec. This delay period is the amount of time from which the sensor detects a recordable event and an image is captured.
4) Trail cams also come with either an incandescent or infrared flash. Ranges in incandescent units are normally lower than infrared, but take color images at night were infrared images appear black and white at night.
Once you have selected your camera, be sure to program and test your camera before heading to the field. Be sure to set time, date, and delay periods. Now test fire your camera by
walking in front of it at the correct range to insure proper operation. You can insert the SD card in a digital camera to check the image.
Now that you have tested your camera, its time to locate a field location suitable. Be sure to select a location that has fresh sign for your intended target. Heavily used game trails are a good choice, especially trails in a funnel down location, or intersecting game trails.
Once a site is chosen, locate a sturdy, large diameter tree that will not be blown around in the wind, as this movement will trigger the camera, it is also recommended that your camera face either north or south if possible, as the rising and setting sun can also trigger your camera. You may also want to position your camera at a slight angle to the game trail, as many cameras will not detect motion moving directly toward or away from the camera as easily as motion moving across the sensor at an angle. Remember to keep the target area within the range of your camera, the camera should be positioned about 1-2 feet higher than your target will be tall, and placed at a slight downward angle, and make sure the camera is securely attached to the tree, as most wildlife will be curious about your camera.