Using Trail Cameras to Monitor Deer Activity

Over the years technology has come a long way inuses an infrared light or flash. Having an infrared
aiding hunters locate and kill a deer as efficiently ascamera will not spook the deer, but you will not have a
possible. With the development of trail cameras in thecolor picture which you get from a camera with a
mid 70s, we now have the ability to see exactly thenormal flash.
deer that are roaming in our hunting area and when. AllNow learn where to place your trail cameras and how
the information we can gather from trail camerasto position them to maximize their effectiveness. Two
helps a hunter track deer movement with ease andareas you need to recognize are feeding areas and
allows us to find that trophy buck. Now you will notlast years deer rubs. If you can determine this your
have to guess by looking at deer tracks whether orchances of killing a deer are much greater. One
not this is a deer of sufficient size.camera needs to be set up with a food source, and
The object is to learn as much as you can about thethe other along a fresh rub line. Using a camera that
deer movement in your area, so that you cancan take video will also be plus in studying their
anticipate this during hunting season. This is calledbehavior. You may capture a doe and then a buck
patterning and do not expect to know exactly whatfollowing her down the trail.
time a buck will walk by a certain tree. With your trailThe number of cameras you use obviously depends
camera footage you will better understand the habitson how much you can afford. For most people with
of your local deer.one camera, monitor feeding activity first, and then in
Whatever you discover during off season you canthe middle of the day move the camera to the rub line
almost throw away. Pay attention to doe movementwhen feeding activity increases. The rub line is where
during pre rut, rut, and post rut. The bucks will changeyou can confirm if a buck is still following the does.
their pattern and follow the does during this time ofUsing trail cameras to monitor deer activity can be
year. Bucks will also position themselves in an areavery successful, but once you find your perfect hunting
where does will walk by on their way to a feedingspot there are things you must remember. Always
area. When you see a doe during the rut you canapproach downwind of a buck and timing is important
almost guarantee that a buck is close by.as not to disturb their habitat. A buck will move just
Using your trail camera correctly is key in obtainingbefore first light and late in the day as they travel back
accurate information on deer activity. You also need toand forth from the staging area to their bedding spot.
decide on what features you need in a trail camera.Your trail camera will help you determine the best
Some important features you should have are that thetimes for hunting success and claiming that mature
camera is digital, does not take many falsely triggeredbuck.
pictures, is quality made for many years of use, and