How to Set Up a Trail Camera Efficiently

The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of camera you’re going to use. It can be something as simple at a cell phone; they often have great night vision and built in remote sensors for taking shots.

You can also get small trail cameras, but if you plan on taking tons of photos, I would recommend the larger versions.

Before setting up your camera, it’s important to scout out good locations that offer both heat signature and visibility with no glow or low glow flash options for nighttime shooting mode.

Trail cameras work best if positioned 1-2 metres off the ground so animals are able to detect them more easily by sight or smell; plus they’ll feel less threatened making them easier capture without startling them.

Zero In on More Details on How to Set up a Trail Camera

1. Find the right location. Look for a dry, flat area about 20 yards (18 meters) wide that’s clear of brush and thick trees.
2. Get equipment. You’re going to need an infrared camera such as a Bushnell 10 MP Trophy Cam or a Moultrie 6MP Game Camera, at least four AA batteries, and six SD cards worth of memory (we suggest 8GB).
3.  Install your camera posts with cable ties or screws if possible. If not, your goal is to create bolts into dirt so that you can use heavy-duty zip ties to secure the cables on top of them rather than burying them in the ground. Use basic rope or a more heavy duty binding material.

How to Attach a Trail Camera to a Tree

Sticking a trail camera to a tree is much different than sticking it to your chest.

This is because trees don’t have the same level of relative elasticity and movement as we do, so there has to be something in between the two that can accommodate these characteristics.

Most outdoor enthusiasts use small pieces of duct tape wrapped around the tree trunk for this purpose.

However, this poses an issue when applying maximum tension or when repositioning due to how easily tape loses its sticky over time.

The best way to attach your trail camera is by using a strap (see the image above, kindly supplied by Bushnell). This is because you can attach the strap to a lot of places and angles that can help stabilize it in the right position, such as trees, bushes, fences, or poles.

If there are no other objects around where you want to put you camera then use some household brackets instead.

What If I Can’t Manage to Attach my Game Camera?

You should ideally attach your trail camera to a tree at about eye level. You can hang it from a branch with string, rope  or duct tape, or strap it around the trunk of the tree so that it is secured in place.

But if you don’t have any of these materials, we’ve got you covered  – see game camera mounts here!

You get arm and clamp types (for horizontal surfaces). They are also compatible with trees, posts and fences because they come with screw bolts. Assembling them takes less than 20 seconds! They work great when installing on trees.