A common style of trail camera.
Trail cameras are designed for scouting an area to determine the kind and quality of big game that may be there. These cameras have proved to be an invaluable resource to hunters. While the basic use of a trail camera is simple, there are some ways to make using one a bit more successful.
Choosing a Type of Camera
Trail cameras come with a variety of features, including 35mm and digital options. For those looking to shoot in an open area and will visit the camera fairly often, a 35mm trail camera with a motion-detecting shutter is ideal. Those who will be scouting a very busy area with lots of trees and the potential of a lot of movement should look at a camera with an infrared-detecting shutter to prevent photos of tree limbs swaying in the wind. Buy a digital camera if you will not be visiting the area very often, as this will allow for hundreds of photos to be taken instead of just the number limited by a roll of film.
Don't Try to Get Too Close
Setting a camera with a flash up three feet from a common deer trail wouldn't be a good idea. The flash from the device would be enough to spook any animal into changing its normal route to avoid the location after just a couple flashes. Make a point to set the camera off around 10 feet from the location of a trail, animal sign or a bait pile.
General tips
Never set a camera up facing directly east or west. Photos of the rising or setting sun won't turn out well, and silhouettes of animals might be hard to see.
Buy a locking device or a camera that has one installed. This will prevent your camera from being stolen.
Record the camera into your personal possessions of your home insurance policy, complete with make, model and serial code--which is often found on the inside of the camera where you adjust the settings--in case it does get stolen.
Put in fresh batteries each time you move the device. It's no fun to go out to check your camera only to find it took two shots before the camera died.
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