How to set game trail cameras?

[StartMyHunt]

I finally bought my first game camera. My biggest concern is having somebody else find it and either jack it up or take it. What are your thoughts on this and should I be concerned? I plan on placing it on an elk trail that I know an everyday hunter would not find.

 

[VTHOKEE]

If you are placing it on public land it\'s a gamble that it may or may not be there when you come back. Usually if you are off the beaten path you will be ok. One thing you could do is hang it in a tree aimed at the trail or area you want to watch.

 

[iccyman001]

x2 what Alan said.


If you want to make it more difficult to be seen or taken, hang it up higher.
Climbing sticks, a climber, or just construct yourself something to stand on and hang it.
Make sure it\'s facing down at a good angle and I always test it to make sure it\'s taking pictures.


If this is a secluded area or an area that isn\'t so pressured, then you can keep it lower.


The sad truth is if someone wants it, they can get it.

 

[cnelk]

If I think it could be found, I like to bring a 4ft section of my climbing sticks so I can lean it against the tree, climb up 4ft and set the camera. It will e about 8ft above the ground
Then take the section back with me.
Just be sure to tilt the cam down toward the trail, I wedge a stick on the top of the unit and then tighten the strap.
Some of my units that open up like a book, I drilled holes in the back cover and I take a deck screw and screwdriver and screw it to the tree.

If its in a place where I know nobody will find it, I put it pointed down the trail or at the wallow about 4ft high

 

[mtnmutt]

Mine are set on Public Land at least 0.5 mile from the road. Usually, I set them back from well used game trails. I use a security box, python lock, plus a padlock.

Brad gave me this tip: camo tape everything including lock. No one has ever even approached my cameras even the couple of people that pass by them. They did not see the camera.

 

[VTHOKEE]

Also with the size of trail cams today it\'s very easy to walk by them. I believe there are a few pics of me walking past Dan\'s cam when I was trying to locate it to bring back for him.

 

[iccyman001]

Also with the size of trail cams today it\'s very easy to walk by them. I believe there are a few pics of me walking past Dan\'s cam when I was trying to locate it to bring back for him.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Olympushunt]

I make heavy duty lock boxes for my cameras out of AC disconnect boxes. You can get them for under $6 at Home Depot. They are VERY tough, bear/elk proof and if you secure them well it would be tough for anyone to remove it. You bolt them to a tree from inside the box. Most people will not go through the effort to remove them. That and it weather proofs them extremely well. You can tack weld and use caulking to make them even more secure.