A trail camera strapped to a tree
If you want to do some scouting prior to hunting season or just try your hand at unmanned wildlife photography, then a trail camera is a viable option. However, no matter where you put your camera, you won't get any photos unless there are animals in the area. You'll need to know some tactics for finding the best places to put your trail camera.
Know Your Trail Camera
Trail cameras come from a variety of companies, but there are just a few styles to choose from. Trail cameras come in both 35 mm and digital photo formats, as well as those with a flash and those without. In addition, trail cameras--both digital and film versions--have either a motion-sensing camera trigger or one that fires the shutter via an infrared indicator.
Knowing the environment where the camera will be can influence the purchase decision. Those who will be checking the camera often can look to film, which needs to be changed at short intervals, while those who won't be back to check on it for longer periods should consider a digital, which can take many more photos at once. Also, consider the surroundings, as a camera that will be placed with a lot of brush around it should have an infrared sensor instead of a motion-detecting shutter that will fire even when the wind is blowing branches and leaves around.
Placement for Hunting
Hunters who are using their cameras to scout should find areas such as deer runs, bedding areas, water sources and bait piles. These places will help a hunter get plenty of photos.
TheJump.net suggests not aiming your camera into the setting or rising sun, as this will backlight any photos that are taken during that time. In addition, don't put it in an area with lots of weeds or where a lot of people are known to travel.
If you want to bring animals to your camera for photos, simply set up your own bait and let them come into range of the camera. Make sure, however, that this is legal in your area.
Placement for Wildlife Photography
Trail cameras have come a long way since they were first invented and used strictly for scouting hunting areas. Now, photographers are beginning to realize the advantages of using such a camera for wildlife photography. Animals tend to avoid scents and sounds that are unfamiliar to them, so place a camera away from hiking trails and areas where people tend to go.
Because you won't know which kind of wildlife you are going to be taking photos of, Trailcameras.net suggests setting up in an area that will attract a variety. Watering holes or mineral licks are popular destinations for almost any kind of animal. Set the camera back far enough from the target area as to be able to capture the whole animal instead of just a head or a leg. Make sure, however, that you don't place it so far away that the flash isn't capable of lighting the animal. About 10 feet from the target area is considered far enough away to capture the whole animal in the frame yet close enough to make the flash of the camera effective.
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