Homemade Deer Cameras
Although hunting has been a basic skill since the birth of humankind, wild game hunting and stalking techniques have morphed over the last few decades. While hunters still quietly track their prey, high-tech options have emerged for following game movements. Deer cameras catch nighttime images of wildlife that can assist a hunter in watching herd patterns and activities, giving clues to habits that end either in caring for the creatures on the land or by bagging a buck during hunting season.
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Things You'll Need
- Digital camera
- Universal control board (that includes motion sensor)
- Memory card
- Batteries
- Heavy-duty weatherproof case or box
- Mounting hardware
Instructions
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Homemade Deer Cameras
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1
Decide whether to purchase parts individually or invest in a homemade deer or game camera kit. Kits range in price depending on the level of technology and "extras" included. A basic kit will include the essential parts, like the control board and waterproof case.
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2
Choose what kind of camera you wish to utilize in your deer camera box. Although it is possible to use, for instance, a 35 mm camera with film, this can yield expensive results over the long term. Digital cameras offer alternatives to a bright nighttime flash by having an infrared flash option that is less likely to startle easily spooked deer. Also, digital cameras utilize memory cards that can be instantly viewed on your computer upon retrieval and then reused.
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3
Review control boards online to decide which you would like to purchase and use with your camera in your waterproof case. Follow assembly instructions and test the motion sensing apparatus.
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4
Use either the waterproof case from the deer camera kit or purchase a metal surplus ammo box to protect your deer camera from water, weather, and bears. Secure your deer camera to a tree or post with mounting hardware in the area you have chosen to track game. Test the location for optimal height, motion sensing and flash range.
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Tips & Warnings
Minimize battery purchases by using rechargeable batteries and switching them out every time you swap out memory cards.
Use heavy-duty metal boxes or post the deer camera high enough to prevent it from being stolen.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
