Correct setup of your game camera is essential. The difference between capturing a great shot of your target or nothing at all lies in the correct setup of your game camera.
There are some basic guidelines you should follow if you want to get the best out of your camera. Whether you've just acquired your first camera or are an experienced hunter seeking new knowledge, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about setting up a game camera.
The setup of your game camera
The game camera setup strap is the most commonly used equipment for setup and is usually included in the box. It can also be purchased separately if needed. The setup strap goes around the back of the camera and is tied to a tree, securing the camera. Some would say this is an advantage as it doesn't damage the wood, but it can limit the adjustability of the camera angle. All in all, the game camera setup strap is a simple and effective way to set up your camera.
To avoid overexposed or overly bright images, you should position the camera with the side facing the sunrise or sunset.
Remove any unwanted vegetation directly in front of the camera. Some cover is good, but make sure nothing blocks the camera's field of view. You don't want to end up with a bunch of shots of the same branch because it gets blown in front of the camera. How to ensure the best recordings.
How high should you mount a wildlife camera?
The choice of camera placement largely depends on the prey you are hunting. It is best to mount the camera at the same height as your desired prey. For example, if your goal is to capture images of deer, it is ideal to place the camera around 1 meter above the ground.
You can also choose to mount the camera a little higher, about 1.8 or 2 meters above the ground, if you are concerned that the camera might scare the animals away. Wildlife cameras are usually colored in natural shades or are camouflaged so that they are not easily detected.
Having a camera with pan and tilt function is also very beneficial. It allows you to automatically adjust and rotate the camera to capture a specific area. This means you don't have to go and adjust the camera position every time. It makes it all more convenient and efficient.
A good suggestion is Reolink's KEEN Ranger PT , which is a game camera that offers 4G network connectivity and Pan and Tilt functionality. However, these cameras usually cost a little more, due to the extra functionality. Do you want a cheap alternative where you really get a lot for your money? Then the HIKMICRO M15 Game Camera with 4G is also a good suggestion.
Where should you mount a wildlife camera?
The camera location plays a decisive role in wildlife monitoring. In general, it is recommended to place your cameras in places where you know the animals frequent to increase the chances of monitoring your target. However, your choice of location can also be influenced by the time of year and the specific animal you are trying to record. It's about finding the right balance between known game trails and the optimal angle to achieve the best results.
Here are some tips on where to place your camera:
Food and water sources: All animals need food and water. It can therefore be beneficial to understand their diets and eating patterns before positioning your camera. This will help you find the most optimal location. Areas of fresh water, such as rivers and lakes, make good places to observe the prey animals using your camera. These areas often attract a wide variety of wildlife, increasing your chances of successful monitoring.
Resting areas: A resting area is where the animals find rest between their meals. It is usually a central area for them.
The choice of resting area can vary from animal to animal, but in general they prefer places where they feel safe and can easily detect any threats. Placing your camera near such areas can mean great wildlife shots.
Crossroads: Once you've identified where your prey often hangs out, it's a good idea to find places where crossroads intersect. An ideal point would be where paths from watering places and rest areas meet. These are potentially powerful places to place your camera and capture natural movements and interactions.
Setting up a wildlife camera - Step-by-Step guide
Before starting the setup, it is a good idea to use a damp cloth to wipe the camera. Clean the lens and other areas to avoid smudges on your footage. Make sure your SD card has enough space before inserting it. It is also important to use gloves during the set-up, as the animals often have a keen sense of smell. This reduces the risk of them noticing our scent on camera.
Once you've chosen a location, make sure the camera angle is correct and that nothing is blocking the camera's field of view. If possible, you should mount the camera high and hidden. Also, avoid placing the camera against the sun to avoid ruining the recordings.
Once the camera is turned on and configured, you should review the camera feed to make sure everything is set up correctly. Remove any low-hanging branches that may trigger the camera unnecessarily. If you use a Reolink camera, you can set the app to ignore motion from certain objects, reducing false alarms.
Try to avoid visiting the camera too often. Remember that your scent can scare the animals away. Most wildlife camera apps offer statistics reports, such as battery level, to help you keep an eye on your camera. Also keep an eye on the capacity of your SD card. Depending on the memory size, it may fill up in a few months. By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of successful wildlife monitoring.
Let the wildlife camera do its job
Once the wildlife cameras are set up and working, it is best to leave them alone. Although you may want to check them all the time, avoid visiting the place for a while to let the area remain undisturbed.
Depending on where you have placed the camera, you should leave the game camera for at least two weeks or more. During this period, you can expect to record around 2000-3000 photos and several videos. Of course, not every image will be of value. However, if the camera is set up correctly, it will give you extremely valuable information about animal activity and movements in the area where you have placed the game camera. Allowing the camera time to collect data without disturbance will improve your chances of achieving meaningful and rewarding footage.
