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Trailcams

Display photos or discuss photographic techniques and tips
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Jon
Posts: 324
Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:43 pm
Location: Bangor, PA

Trailcams

Unread post by Jon »

What's the deal with trail cams? I've seen a few shots from these in the Catskills on this forum and elsewhere. Are these legal to leave out on trees if you collect them within a certain amount of time (like <24 hours?) I have been seeing them online deals lately for nearly 100$ and was thinking about trying to photograph some bears or bobcats or something. It wouldn't be for purposes of game tracking for hunting. I just would like some nice pictures of animals which are less common in the Catskills.

-jon
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mike
Posts: 1442
Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
Location: Ravena, NY

Re: Trailcams

Unread post by mike »

Trail cams are in a weird legal state. Since it isn't permanently attached to the tree, it meets that requirement. But, you are not allow to leave personal property unattended. But, you can leave a tree stand in the woods for 30 days during hunting season. People do put them out there, and so far I don't hear that it is a violation. So, I'm not sure legally.

Trail cams state that they have hi-res images (like 8mp). But, when I purchased one, the image size was 8mp, but the resolution was less then 1mp. The quality of the image was poor. I guess it is possible that there might be some better ones out there now.

I also find that bobcats will walk around them. As soon as the camera turns on due to movement detection, bobcats get spooked. Bears just don't care and walk right into them. I have captured deer, fishers, domestic cats (yes in the woods), turkeys, etc.

I do have have another special camera that can be hooked into a dSLR. But, I have never set it up for use. I purchased it to try and photograph owls up close. You can also hook up cam recorders to it.
bikenhike
Posts: 134
Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:53 pm

Re: Trailcams

Unread post by bikenhike »

Most of the trail cams are designed to find animals. The quality of the image isn't that good. Mainly for hunters
Joe McHugh
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 12:30 am

Re: Trailcams

Unread post by Joe McHugh »

I've found the quality of the photos to be quite good. Not Nat Geo good, but fine for personal use, even the night photos. I'm having less success with video though.

I just bought a Reconyx Ultrafire, which is fantastic, but expensive. However, I took this photo 10 years ago, so I'm sure the entry level ones you're considering will be just as good (bear, ahem, in mind that file size was reduced to post here). Sadly, my original cam was stolen. I'm guessing by a line crew cutting back branches, since it was close to the road (on my property), they'd have the tools, and wood chips were found at the scene.

Also I found this site helpful: http://www.trailcampro.com/trailcamerareviews.aspx. If you can find a cam with a "no deer" setting, buy it. Trust me.
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Jon
Posts: 324
Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:43 pm
Location: Bangor, PA

Re: Trailcams

Unread post by Jon »

a face only a mother could love!
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