Pennsylvania Game News - August 2016 - 8

BAITS & ATTRACTANT
For those using baits such as corn or
mineral blocks at a camera site, be aware
state law requires all foods, chemicals
and minerals, and their residue, to be
completely removed at least 30 days prior
to hunting activity in the area.
If you are trying to get images of
predators, like fishers, coyotes and bobcats, attractant scents can be used.
If a predator is in the area, it doesn't
take much to draw it in.

COMPARING & LEARNING
Where I live in rural Perry County,
trail cams are popular. They are placed
everywhere from farms and forested valleys to up on Tuscarora Mountain.
My friends and neighbors use trailcam images to share the excitement the
cameras capture. It's a chance to share
information about local wildlife, and
often, through sharing, you'll learn more
about the travel patterns of particular deer
and bears.
We learned that some of the bucks we
were seeing around home, were the same
bucks showing up on trail cams 3 miles
away. In fact, another farmer, who lives
about 2 miles in the opposite direction,
also collected trail-cam images of the
same bucks.
Sharing images helped all of us realize
the large area our local bucks are covering. It's something none of us would have
known had we not shared our photos.
A couple of years ago, we even were
able to piece together the pattern of a
black coyote that showed up on several
cameras.
Enjoying the outdoors with trail cameras is great stuff. Anyone can do it.
Remember, you do not need to live in
the country to set up a camera.
8

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
* Trail cameras with viewfinders use up
more battery power when viewing images
on the camera.
* I have two sets of SD cards for each
camera. That allows me to pull a card, and
replace it with the second card. It reduces
time spent messing around the camera
site and limits the amount of disturbance
and scent in the area.
* Most newer trail cameras work best
with lithium batteries, which last a lot
longer than alkaline batteries. While they
are more money up front, you save in the
long run. Some folks use solar panels to
keep cameras charged for longer periods
of time.
* Using a protective metal case over your
trail cam is good idea in some areas. It
might help protect the camera from a
curious bear. I do not use them much,
because they are cumbersome and a
hassle to work with. I prefer to conceal
the camera with natural objects that can
help prevent camera damage.
* Sometimes human scent on the camera
attracts bears. I've tried using latex gloves
and rubber boots, but since the scent is
still different than the rest of the surrounding, bears still seem to investigate.

Some of my coworkers who live in
suburban areas have placed cameras in
their backyards. They were shocked by
what went through at night: black bears,
coyotes, house cats, even neighborhood
teenagers!
There is nothing that can replace being
in the woods.
However, the demands on our time
often limit our opportunities outdoors.
That's why placing out a trail cam or two
can give us a second chance to connect
with wildlife while we are away from
the woods.
Then you'll know why it's hard to top
the excitement you'll find in those candid
snapshots!
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - August 2016
