Game/trail camera recommendations

[MRSDOUGLAS]

I would like to pick up at least a couple game or trail cameras (not sure there is a difference) to put on our 45 acres. One I would put by the gate to capture any activity coming onto the property but would also be pointing toward the creek to capture two and four legged critters, the other to move to various locations to see what wildlife is there. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks,
Dawn

 

[3rdtime]

I would look for the type that dont have flash. If near roads they will come up missing. Co worker had this happen on his fathers land. As far as brands I think they all are good now days

 

[MRSDOUGLAS]

Good point. We are at the end of a private road so I don't think there will be much activity from people but a good thing to consider.

 

[Biggreenavalanche]

Recommend infrared flash, there are a bunch, 20+ brands, being made...I see you're from Texas, academy sports has several as does bass pro and cabelas...look at features such as mega pixels, what size sd card it will accept, what kind of batteries, for your purposes primos, moutrie, camtrakker are all good and take nice pictures....prices will range from $60 - $500...you will get what you pay for but $120 - $200 will get you a nice setup....just my :2cents: worth...

Rich

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I switched to Moultrie M80 cameras a little over a year ago after a friend demonstrated to me that it will take 3000+ pictures over 200+ days on a single set of 8 AA lithium batteries. They have been the best value cameras I've tried, and I tried almost every one on the market 2010 and older. I will never own a strobe flash, or a 6v lantern battery powered camera again.

 

[texasjohn]

:welcome:


lots of price/feature range in these cameras....I'd decide what features I needed, then purchase that.
I've had good experience with WILDGAME cameras

Features I like in a top end camera include
external battery port...
handle large memory card
infrared that is not visible to human eye....reduces risk of someone stealing it
screen for preview of photos built into the camera itself, gives you instant feedback and don't have to wait to get back to computer to see what you have.
Recently, size of cameras have been significantly reduced...game doesn't care about size, but makes it easier to hide from people
video ability....adds lots of interest/information....good reason for big memory card.
activation on motion at 50 to 60 feet.

 

[nolefan]

I have a Bushnell Trophy Cam and would highly recommend it. Great quality photos both day and night and fantastic battery life. I purchased lithium batteries to use in it and have taken over 4,000 photos during a 4 month period with the same batteries. One thing I did was to purchase several SD cards so all I ever do is switch out the card which allows me to leave the camera up and running. Good Luck.

 

[MRSDOUGLAS]

Thanks for the feedback folks, it gives me a great starting point.

Dawn

 

[nybirdman]

I have had good luck with Bushnell Trophy cams(own 2),long battery life,stills,nite and day video.Had terrible luck with Wildgame Innovation cameras(alot of others have too).
check out chasinggame.com for camera reviews.There are better cameras out there at $500.00 + but the Bushnells for about $150.00 worked for me.

 

[Bigfoot62]

:welcome:

I agree with Texasjohn, Wildgame Innovations cameras are a lot of "bang for the buck." I have the 4 megapixel with the infrared flash.
Here's a couple of pics from mine, one each of a daytime and nighttime shot.

 

[MRSDOUGLAS]

Great pics. Would any of these be sensitive enough on the motion detectors to capture birds?

 

[texasjohn]

Mine detects turkeys, coons and hogs all the time. Also, doves around feed. Not exactly sure how large the object needs to be to trigger the detection. Maybe somebody else has tried it in this way.

 

[MRSDOUGLAS]

Mine detects turkeys, coons and hogs all the time. Also, doves around feed. Not exactly sure how large the object needs to be to trigger the detection. Maybe somebody else has tried it in this way.

Thanks John. Which model do you have that picks up the dove?

 

[Bigfoot62]

Great pics. Would any of these be sensitive enough on the motion detectors to capture birds?

Yep. I've had pics of doves, crows, hogs, coons, rabbits, dogs, etc.

 

[joeyd]

I purchased a game cam from Cabela's for about $95.00, Primos Truth Cam 35 I believe. The first night I set it up, it picked up a branch that was moving with the wind, I had over 730 pictures of the branch both at night and after dawn. :laughing: Nice picture quality but I have since been more careful of what is in the immediate area.

 

[texasjohn]

Thanks John. Which model do you have that picks up the dove?

The model I have is no longer made...seems models change every year for every manufacturer.

Wildgame Innovations cameras are compared here.

After looking at these, the current model that most closely matches what I have is the Elite 8 Lightsout because mine has a 50 ft sensor range and built in viewer.

If you were not interested in a built in viewer, the model most nearly matching mine would be the Micro 6 Red because mine has night video.

If I were to purchase one now, I'd go for the Micro 6 Red or the Micro 8 Red unless somebody gave me birthday/Christmas money, in which case I'd get the Elite 8 Lights Out (because I'm a geek and like the neat stuff, AND, I have an application where being able to take photos invisibly at night would help catch 2 legged varmints and keep them from stealing the camera).

Hope this helps.