Trail or scouting cameras are used to track wildlife, whether for hunting or study. They have motion sensors and can shoot in day or night. They usually have an infrared flash to capture nighttime images without startling wildlife. To get the most use out of your trail camera, here are some starting hints.
Basics
Look for a game trail, usually near a water supply such as a stream or pond. Attach the trail camera to a tree using the accompanying straps with the lens facing the trail. Because image quality isn't the most important thing here---tracking wildlife is---set the camera to the second-lowest quality setting. That will give you more images on your memory card. Set the camera to about a 45-degree angle to the trail to give it time to capture the image. Don't set it facing directly at the trail. Motion sensors may not sense motion coming directly at them.
Sensitivity
Set the camera to take images at about three-minute intervals while shooting. That will give you a range of time when animals are in range of the camera. You also can set it for multiple shots once the motion sensor is tripped. Especially if the camera does not have video capability, that will give you a sense of motion and the direction animals are traveling. If the camera has multiple sensitivity settings, you probably don't want to set it to the most sensitive range because it might pick up unwanted motion by things such as birds, blowing leaves and even some large flying insects (such as moths).
Timing
Use the time-stamp feature. That will tell you what time, day or night, animals are coming along the trail. Some more sophisticated cameras also provide other information, including the date, what the temperature was when the animals were moving, and what phase the moon was in at the time. All of that information over a period of time can give you a good sense of how many animals are using the trail and when they are using it.
Also, check the camera at regular intervals. That will give you a better sense of how often animals pass by. The batteries in most models will last several weeks per charge, so check the cameras at least once a week.
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