We all know that prepping for the season is half the fun (and half the challenge!). And if you’re like me, you’re probably always looking for ways to up your game—literally. One of the best ways to do that? Game cameras. They’re like having your own personal spies out in the field, quietly gathering intel on the bucks moving through your area. One that we highly recommend is the Moultrie Edge Cellular Trail Camera. But to really make them work for you, there’s a bit of a strategy involved. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of those cameras and plan for your best hunting season yet.
Find the Sweet Spots
First up, location, location, location. I can’t stress this enough. Game cameras are only as good as where you put them. You want to think about where deer are actually moving. Deer are creatures of habit and often use the same trails to go from bedding areas to food sources. So, start by scouting your area—look for those well-worn trails, bedding areas, spots where they’re feeding, and of course, water sources.
Trail Crossings: Anywhere you see multiple trails coming together is like a deer highway. Great place for a camera.
Food Sources: Deer gotta eat, right? Whether it’s a food plot you planted or a natural spot like a stand of acorns, these are prime spots.
Water Holes: Especially in warmer weather, deer need to hydrate. Cameras near streams or ponds can catch consistent activity.
Get the Height and Angle Right
So, you’ve picked your spots. Now, let’s talk about how to set those cameras up. It’s not just about slapping them on a tree and calling it a day. The height should be about knee to waist-high. You want a nice clear shot without a bunch of brush in the way, but not so high that you’re just capturing deer backs or—worse—the sky.
A little trick here: face your cameras north or south. Why? Because direct sunlight can mess up your photos during sunrise and sunset, which is prime time for deer movement. No one wants to sort through a bunch of washed-out pics.
Keep It Low-Key: Minimize Scent and Trips
Now, here’s where a lot of folks slip up—every time you go check your cameras, you’re leaving scent behind. And deer? Well, they’re not stupid. They pick up on that pretty quick. So, keep your scent to a minimum. Use some scent-eliminating spray on your boots and gear when you head out. And try to check those cameras less often. Ideally, every few weeks is good. If you can swing it, go for game cameras that send pics directly to your phone. Trust me, that tech is worth it!
Follow the Deer’s Seasonal Shifts
Deer don’t stay put; they adjust their movements based on the season. And that means you should adjust your camera placement too:
Early Season: Focus on food. Bucks are still on a pretty predictable routine, filling up on calories.
Rut Time: Bucks are all over the place chasing does. Look for scrapes, rub lines, and funnels where they might cruise.
Post-Rut: After the craziness of the rut, deer settle back into patterns. Think late-season food sources and bedding areas.
Tweak Your Camera Settings
Let’s get a little techy for a second. Your camera settings can make a big difference. Photos are great for conserving battery and covering longer periods, but videos can give you more context. Maybe set up a mix. And don’t forget about the trigger speed—something between 0.2 to 0.5 seconds is ideal to catch those quick movers. Time-lapse mode? Also pretty neat, especially in open fields.
Study the Patterns
Okay, so you’ve got the cameras out there, snapping away. Now, it’s time to play detective. Look for patterns in your photos—time of day, direction of travel, which bucks are showing up and when. This info is gold. It can tell you when to set up and where. For example, if you’re noticing bucks moving through a certain spot every morning around 9 a.m., you know where you need to be.
Use Multiple Cameras for a Full Picture
One camera can give you some good info, but more cameras give you the full story. Spread them out—cover different trails, food sources, water spots, and possible pinch points. The more coverage, the better you can understand how deer are moving through your area.
Stay Flexible
Don’t get too married to one spot. If the action dies down in one area, be ready to move those cameras. Hunting is all about adapting to what the deer are doing, and if you’re not willing to adjust, you’re missing out on opportunities.
Plan for the Unexpected
Sometimes things don’t go as planned—cameras malfunction, weather gets weird, or worse, someone decides your camera would look better in their gear bag. Always have a backup plan. Maybe even a couple of decoy cameras if theft is a problem in your area. Use cable locks or security boxes to keep your gear safe.
Have Fun With It
At the end of the day, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Checking those game cameras is like opening a present—you never know what you’re going to get. It’s part of the thrill of the hunt, building that anticipation, and piecing together the puzzle of where and when to hunt. So, get out there, set up those cameras smartly, and have a great season!
By following these tips, you’ll be setting yourself up for a productive hunting season. Good luck, stay safe, and happy hunting!