The right trail camera can be the difference between spending your season waiting for a shot that is never coming or waiting for the perfect shot you know is moments away. Although trail cameras are not the only tool needed to achieve success, they have changed the face of hunting. Like any tool, their level of success depends more on knowing how to use them correctly than on how much they cost. Try some of these tips next season and see if you need help to make the most of your trail camera.

Selection of the right camera: Shopping for a new trail camera can be more complicated than putting together your kids presents on Christmas morning. Everyone claims their camera is the best and their features are what you truly need. The right camera for your buddy might not be the right one for you. Trail cameras are grouped into three basic models: traditional, wireless, and cellular. Traditional requires you to physically visit the camera to check your results or reset features. Wireless and cellular models allow remote viewing via a remote viewing device or a personal PC/smartphone via the Internet. Each has advantages and disadvantages, which make them more suitable for specific locations or settings.

Quality counts: you would not buy a bargain basement rifle or bow and expect top-notch results, so you should not purchase cheap trail cameras and expect anything different. Although a high price does not automatically guarantee getting the best product, you generally get what you pay for. Regardless of which model trail camera you select, you must ensure it has a few necessary features: the ability to take quality pictures day or night, settings that limit false alarms due to moving branches, etc., and a waterproof outer shell.

Know your equipment before deploying it. Most modern trail cameras are designed for easy use. Generally, if you can set up a smartphone or tablet, you should have no problem setting up your new camera. That being said, it is always better to know your equipment before finding yourself standing in the wilderness. Unpack your unit and make sure you have everything you need. Read the instructions to ensure you are aware of how to adjust settings. Practice at home before trying to deploy in the field.

Angle the camera: Too many hunters set up their cameras parallel to the game trail, facing it from a 90-degree angle. The theory is the camera will capture the game as it passes directly in front of the camera itself. The problem is this dramatically reduces the overall range and field of view for each camera. Instead, try placing the camera at a 45-degree angle to the trail and pointing down the trail. Making this slight adjustment will increase the trail covered by one camera and provide more opportunity to catch animals moving slightly off the main trail or leaving it before reaching the camera location.

Security: The only thing worse than checking your camera and finding you have not captured any potential trophies on it is checking your camera and finding it is gone. Unfortunately, a growing number of unethical hunters would steal your camera instead of saving it and purchasing it on their own. Lessen the possibility of losing your camera by hiding it as much as possible, mounting it in an area that is not easily accessible, and adding anti-theft devices to your installation. Lockable cables and even metal mounting boxes may cost a little bit extra but are far cheaper than a new camera to replace one stolen by thieves.

Unobstructed view: Many hunters, myself included, like to brush in their cameras. Not only does this hide the cameras from the target game, but it also helps protect them from thieves looking for their cheap cameras. However, one of the biggest mistakes these same hunters make is not remembering to leave a clear, unobstructed window through which the camera can see the trail. Failure to do this can result in many problems, including poor exposure due to LEDS reflecting off cover material or unnecessary false trips caused by wind-blown limbs or brush-triggering cameras.

Do not be afraid to move: One of the biggest mistakes you can make when using trail cameras is putting them up preseason and never moving them until the season ends, especially if they are not showing any sign of worthy targets. One of the reasons you are using cameras is to pinpoint where the main targets may be and then pattern those targets throughout the season. If your pictures do not show any animals worth pursuing, you may have deployed those cameras to a poor location. Move them and start over. When scouting a new location, I generally start with multiple cameras positioned in the broader circle during the preseason and gradually move my cameras closer and in a tighter, smaller circle as opening day approaches.

Create a picture booth: Sometimes, it is difficult to determine where to place a camera, especially if several trails are in the area. Even if you know which trail is being utilized, you may find it difficult to obtain quality pictures once the animals reach a more open section of the trails. The answer is to create a photo booth at which the game will pause and allow their picture to be taken. I recommend placing baits, minerals, or scent lures in the camera coverage zone, which will entice passing animals to stop or at least slow down as they pass by.

Remember, the camera is but one tool in your hunting toolbox. Like most tools, it is not the answer to every problem and may not be the best choice for addressing every obstacle. However, as with any tool, your trail camera will provide the best results when used in a manner that takes advantage of all of its features.

Good luck, good hunting.