Game cameras are one of the most creative uses of modern technology that we’ve seen deployed around the hunting grounds. While a good set of high-quality game cameras won’t improve your aim or your ability to draw the game to your hide, they will provide you with invaluable information about your quarry’s habits and movement patterns. If you’re hunting for predators, game cameras can even make you safer and give you an edge in dangerous situations.
FeraDyne prides itself on giving our customers the edge they need. By the time you’re finished with this article, you’ll know how a small investment in high-resolution digital game cameras can make you the best hunter you can be.
Types of Game Cameras
In order to achieve excellence in hunting, it’s essential not only that you have game cameras deployed but also that you have the right cameras for your specific needs. That means familiarizing yourself with the various features that game camera manufacturers offer and how these features apply to the type of game that you’re hunting.
Resolution
You might be thinking that the better the resolution, the better the camera, but that may not be the case. Higher-resolution cameras use up battery life faster. If you need that high resolution because you’re looking for detailed features on your prey, by all means, choose a higher-resolution camera. However, if your purpose is security against large predators, you’d probably rather know that the battery isn’t going to die on you, even if you can see a little less detail on a bear or a wolf.
For hunters, a 12 to 20-megapixel resolution is fine for their needs. On the other hand, wildlife researchers sometimes go for a higher MP score.
This Covert WC20-V is light, versatile, and has 20 MPs and 1080p video. It runs on AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about charging it in the field.
Detection Range
This is the maximum distance that movement can trigger the camera’s motion detection system. If you’re hunting in open terrain, like a field or plain, you probably need a longer detection range. On the other hand, if you’re focused on a closer area, like a trail, most cameras will be sufficient.
A camera like the Covert MP30 will work in most situations since it has an 80-foot detection range. If you’re hunting predators in open terrain and you’re using the camera for security, you may want to find a model with a longer range.
Trigger Speed
This is the delay between the time the camera detects motion and when it takes a picture or starts the video feed. If you’re hunting fast-moving game, you’ll need a rapid trigger speed. Otherwise, you may only see part of your quarry or nothing at all. If this isn’t as important because you’re looking for something that moves a little slower, you may want to find a camera that emphasizes other features. .2 seconds is considered a fast trigger speed, but some cameras take as long as a full second.
The Covert WC32-V in this picture has a trigger speed of .2 seconds, which should be faster than you need for most types of game. With a 32-megapixel resolution, you’ll be amazed by the images it captures.
Remote Access
Animal researchers often use cameras that don’t have remote access to reduce costs. For hunting, however, the most practical game camera options are remote access cameras that you can operate from your phone or a tablet. If you’re constantly having to go out to retrieve sim cards and download the data, it’s going to detract from the whole experience and unnecessarily expose you to the animals you’re hunting.
Remote access allows you to change the camera’s view, alter settings, and view pictures or videos on your phone. The WC32-A by Covert is a relatively inexpensive option with tons of remote functionality.
Flash Options
If you’re hunting animals at night or even animals with high visual acuity in the daytime, you should consider infrared flash. That way, you’re less likely to spook the animal. If you’re hunting at night, however, a flash is essential to achieve the detail in the images you want. Make sure that your flash range either exceeds your detection range or at least covers the range you need.
The Covert MP30 has a 100-foot flash range and an 80-foot detection range, which makes it ideal for night hunting. With a .2-second trigger speed and 30 megapixels, it’s the ideal camera for nighttime outings.
Strategic Placement Tips
Where you put your game cameras can make or break their effectiveness as a hunting tool. Plan on using your cameras along trails, feeding areas, and watering holes — the same places where you’ll go to find game. For site security, place them around the perimeter of your hide or camp facing outward.
The height and angle are also important. If you’re looking for game along the ground, place your cameras three or four feet above the ground and have them angled downward. Remember that some animals are sensitive to objects that are not normally in their environment, so camouflage your cameras without blocking the lens.
Off-trail placement can be a game-changer. While it may seem counterintuitive, setting up cameras away from heavily traveled paths can provide insights into less obvious game movement patterns. Seasonal adjustments are equally important. Game behavior changes with the seasons, so relocating your cameras to match these shifts can yield better results.
Understanding Game Movement Patterns
Successful hunting can often depend on a deep understanding of game movement patterns. Begin by identifying travel paths, such as trails leading to feeding or bedding areas. These paths are often marked by tracks, scat, and broken vegetation.
Game movement patterns are not static. Things like changes to the environment, feeding habit shifts, and the mating season will change the way animals behave. If you’re familiar with these factors, you can alter your strategy to become more effective. An example of this comes during the rut when bucks are much more active. Placing your camera along deer paths can yield big rewards.
Monitoring and Data Management
One of the most significant advantages of modern game cameras is the ability to check activity remotely. Remote-access (cellular) cameras allow you to receive real-time updates, which can be particularly useful for minimizing human disturbance in hunting areas. If you’re using non-cellular cameras, regular visits to retrieve data are necessary, but these trips can be minimized if you plan accordingly.
Organizing and storing images is vital for effective data management. Use folders labeled by date, location, and camera ID to make sorting easier. Specialized software or apps can streamline this process, helping you analyze patterns and trends over time.
Data Analysis for Strategic Planning
Analyzing the data captured by your game cameras should be part of your hunting strategy. By tracking travel routes, you can locate high-traffic areas for animal movement and reposition your blind or stand accordingly. Historical data provides invaluable insights, which can then allow you to predict peak activity times and plan your hunts accordingly.
For example, if your cameras consistently capture images of deer near a particular watering hole at dawn, you can use this information to put yourself in the right place at the right time. Or, when you have data from previous seasons, it can help you forecast the best hunting days based on weather conditions, moon phases, and other variables.
Battery Life and Maintenance
Battery life is essential for the continuous use of your game cameras. You need to choose batteries suited to the climate in your hunting area. Lithium batteries are always a great choice for cold environments because they perform well in low temperatures. Solar power options can extend battery life, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements.
Clean the lenses regularly to prevent dirt and debris from obscuring your images. Check for software updates and make sure all connections are secure to avoid technical issues. It’s always a good idea to test your camera before traveling too far from the spot where you placed it.
Using Game Cameras for Security
A well-placed camera can monitor your hunting area for trespassers or predator species, providing peace of mind and protecting you and your investment. Check the local laws in your state about placing concealed cameras in public spaces. Make sure your cameras are positioned on your property or have permission to monitor the area. Sometimes, you are required by law to post signage to warn people they’re being monitored.
Many hunters find that their game cameras are already configured to detect trespassers. Motion detection settings designed to capture animal movement are equally effective at identifying unauthorized human activity.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even the best game cameras can fail to deliver results if you don’t avoid these common mistakes.
- Poor Placement – Cameras that are too high or placed near human activity are less likely to capture valuable images.
- Neglect– Neglecting regular maintenance is another common pitfall. Dirty lenses, dead batteries, or outdated software can significantly impact performance. Additionally, failing to review and analyze images regularly can result in missed opportunities to adjust your strategy.
- Not Moving Your Camera – Environmental changes can affect your camera’s performance. Overgrown vegetation, shifting animal patterns, or new obstacles can render even the most carefully placed camera ineffective. Regularly reassess your setup to ensure it remains optimized.
By carefully selecting, placing, and maintaining your game cameras, you can significantly improve your chances of hunting success. Whether you’re tracking game movement, analyzing data, or securing your hunting area, a well-executed camera strategy is a powerful tool in any hunter’s arsenal. Shop FeraDyne for game cameras and all of your other hunting needs.