Ok I am looking to get my first trail cam and wanted some recommendations on some. I do not need the top of the line as my main use will be to catch deer and other wildlife around current and potential hunting spots.
I know some of the real cheap ones go through batteries like crazy so I will probably stay away from them, but like to hear from others that have used a few cams and the questions, concerns they have of each.
Thanks
High dollar, but worth it in the long run is the Reconyx camera. The HC600 is fantastic. A set of 12AA Lithiums will take 20,000 pics or more depending on settings. Fast trigger speed, durable units that won't crap out in a year or two. Consider it an investment. Generally, the only naysayers are those that have never owned one.
Yep Our moultrie colection is strong too and while the Reconyx is taking pics in your one location, my moultries are taking pics in four locations for the same price.
We have been using trail cams for years and years. Going way back to when you had to run to the store and develop your film before you could see what you had. Hands down the best camera on the market is made by Reconyx. We just bought our 4th Hyperfire (HC600) for the farm. Ours hang from July through February. Fastest trigger speed on the market, best quality pictures, nighttime images are amazing and best of all, they work year after year. We run the lithium batteries as well, and they will take tens of thousands of pictures on a set.
My advice...you will go through 3 or 4 of the cheaper ones before you wind up with an expensive one you're happy with.
Keith, keep lookin at pics like that and you'll probably be out there next week, month or yr. If you're not real convinced about shootin one, get some camo, a good dose of patience, a quiet video cam and go sit by the trail. If ya think fishing is time consuming, wait till your heart rate about doubles the first time you're lookin to the right and that big boy comes sauntering along about 20' from your left. That's when you'll start spending ALOT of time sittin in a tree or bush. Good luck.
Do nature a favor, spay/neuter your pets and any weird friends or relatives.
Had a nice 9 pt come by on Saturday morning (maybe 130 or so), but I passed. He finally winded me from about 10 ft away. A bit of grunting and slow following by sub-dominants, but nothing serous yet. Have seen 2 reasonable bucks in this range so far, but none on film yet. Hoping for a real trophy to show up during rut!
Bob-O, I love your description and yes, I'm certainly itching for the thrill! But having only shotguns and a .22 long rifle I'm just not equipped for the big game,,, yet Nor the field dressing, etc... I think it's time to hit up a buddy or two!
RAH, when you say "9 pt", is that total antler points? I've heard them called 4x4, 4x5, etc. Could you explain the correct way to describe one, like the one in my photo? I'm clueless when you guys describe these and the scores!
Any point over 1" is considered counting both antlers. Mine was a 5 by 4. Yours looks like a 10 pt. A very nice buck, but I have had good luck in the last few years, so I am looking for something bigger. Scoring is on length of beams and tines, and on mass. I would have taken him a few short years ago, but I am trying to break 170 inches. did not even see or get a photo of one that big last year, but if I do not let them grow, they will never get there. I saw a very nice one with seven tines on one side last year but the other side was broken of after 3 tines. A fellow shot him on a neighboring rental property, but I hear that he now has a restraining order unrelated to hunting that prevents him from hunting there this year. I have seen 4 different bucks so far this year that should be shooters next year.
Typically midwest and eastern states (basically we're talking about whitetails here) describe the antlers as total antler point count. In the Western States, for Mule Deer and Elk, (I'm unsure about whitetails) they describe the antlers as points per side, i.e. 4x4 6x7, etc.
Then you get into typical and non-typical.
Search for the following websites, which explain it in greater detail. Each site has their own scoring system. This a short list - there are others.
Pope & Young Boone & Crockett Safari Club International
That deer IMHO is a 3.5 year old with great potential...If I had to guess a score I would say mid to high 130"s..It is clean enough it would probably put you in the book with a bow, but not a gun...
Another year on him and you might be amazed at what he does.. Most say 3.5 to 4.5 is one of the biggest growth years for deer...
Good luck in your quest even if it is just taking pictures and tracking what is using your land...
I shot this decent 8 point on Saturday opening gun season here. He is my best buck so far here in Arkansas. Has a broke G3 on the left side but still a decent buck. I have gotten blessed this year and was able to take one buck during ML season and this one during Gun season I savored the moment and enjoyed every bit of it that I was blessed with.
RC
The only difference between a rut and a Grave is the depth. So get up get out of that rut and get moving!! Time to work!!
Nice deer, Congrats! Our gun season opens Saturday. They are calling for a 20°F temp swing (up) for opening weekend, then a 30°F temp swing (down) by midweek.
Thanks guys and yeah I double lunged him he went about 50 yards and fell in a creek and took a nap so I was happy about that too. I always try my best to take one shot one kill. These beautiful animals deserve that at the very least.
RC
The only difference between a rut and a Grave is the depth. So get up get out of that rut and get moving!! Time to work!!
I saw this Bushnell "security" cam at Sams; cost $100. I am very happy with my current Bushnell; not sure about this one but I bought one and will give it a try. I may use for security instead of wildlife cam.
Ok I am looking to get my first trail cam and wanted some recommendations on some. I do not need the top of the line as my main use will be to catch deer and other wildlife around current and potential hunting spots.
I know some of the real cheap ones go through batteries like crazy so I will probably stay away from them, but like to hear from others that have used a few cams and the questions, concerns they have of each.
Thanks
High dollar, but worth it in the long run is the Reconyx camera. The HC600 is fantastic. A set of 12AA Lithiums will take 20,000 pics or more depending on settings. Fast trigger speed, durable units that won't crap out in a year or two. Consider it an investment. Generally, the only naysayers are those that have never owned one.
Ive had some of all of them and this year got my first Reconyx 600. Ill be buying another new Reconyx soon. Fantastic camera. FYI, Leopold camera is garbage but the little card viewer is great. I also have a Bushnell that is adequate.
Nor the field dressing, etc... I think it's time to hit up a buddy or two! 
