Pennsylvania Game News - July 2021 - 52

of light can be seen with low-glow sensors
and red-glow are brighter and more
visible, but usually the least expensive.
Trigger time is how long it takes
the camera to detect motion and take a
photograph. Slow triggers can result in
photographs of the back half of a deer, or
even allow the deer to pass before a photo
is taken. Many cameras have trigger times
around 1½ seconds, while others can be
as fast as 0.1 seconds.
Faster is better.
Most cameras detect movement within
about 60 feet, but some detect movement
out to more than 100 feet.
Increased detection range results in
more photographs, and more information
about deer movement. But even many of
the cameras with shorter range capabilities
can be set to take photos periodically
rather than when movement is detected,
and this can capture photos of deer that
otherwise would be out of range.
It's a good way to monitor large, open
areas for deer activity during spring and
summer.
Meanwhile, photo resolution is measured
in megapixels. Ten to 20 megapixels
is acceptable, but higher-resolution photos
are clearer and provide more detail, especially
in low light.
After buying a camera, many hunters
rush right out and install it, without first
understanding how it works.
Before heading afield, install the
camera in your yard or any place animals
travel. Learn the settings and which modes
work best in different situations.
Learn how to adjust the camera in
relationship to the sun's position to avoid
lens flare, which " blinds " the camera.
Learn how things like branches or weeds
in front of the camera can generate false
triggers.
Information gained at home will
52
reduce your frustration in the field.
EFFECTIVE USE
A photograph of a nice buck in front of
your stand is great, but your trail camera
can do much more for you.
Many hunters use trail cameras only
one to three months a year, but they'll provide
more information if left out longer.
There's a greater chance to see more
of the deer that live in an area or come
through, which can be hard to replicate,
even if spending hours upon hours scouting
in the field.
As deer movement changes in response
to available food, human pressure and rutting
activity, a trail camera can keep you
in the know, as well as give you a look at
the different bucks that might move in.
And by leaving my cameras hang past
the close of the late archery and flintlock
deer seasons, I typically capture photos
each year of many bucks, including a few
wall-hangers, giving me a jump on next
season's scouting.
ADAPT TO CHANGE
Many hunters are creatures of habit and
hunt the same stand locations year after
year. I always like to add a few new ones.
A tree falling 100 yards from your
stand can cause deer to seek an easier path,
altering their patterns, and putting them
out of range when they reach your area.
Deer adapt to change, and hunters must
as well. Scouting is the key to learning
more about the landscape and where to
place a camera.
In April and May, when many hunters
are scouting for or hunting turkeys, it's
an excellent time to check deer sign and
identify old scrapes and rubs, as well. The
absence of foliage in early spring makes it
easier to identify potential stand locations.
Hanging a camera in these new spots
Pennsylvania Game News - July 2021

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