Tips and Tricks for Positioning Your Cellular Trail Cam to View Wildlife

Cellular trail cameras today can do what was unthinkable just a few years ago–they have the technology to send HD photos and on-demand videos right to your phone, no matter where you are, crystal clear photos of wildlife in their natural environment. But while the technology is there, those images don’t magically get taken–it takes a bit of skill and planning to set up your trail cam in just the right spot so those magical moments can be captured clearly.

While trail cameras offer unmatched ability to spy on wildlife, how the camera is situated and where it is placed can make the difference between having a captivating stream of wildlife images in your gallery and having no images at all. Don’t worry–we got you covered. Read on to learn pro tips for trail cam placement.

Before diving into specific game animals, it’s important to understand some basics when it comes to trail cam placement.

Keep in mind that it’s important you understand rules and regulations for placing hunting cameras on public land, and that you have permission from landowners before placing any on private land.

These tips will get you closer to getting great images.

• Start by researching the habits, feeding patterns, and travel routes of the animals you want to photograph. Knowing where animals are likely to be at certain times of the day or year will help you position your camera so you get the best images.

• Ensure your hunting camera is positioned to cover a wide area but also focuses on a specific point of interest, like a game trail, water source, or feeding area. Adjust the camera so that it captures animals as they move toward or across the frame rather than just after they’ve passed by.

• You don’t want branches or plants either blocking your view or moving in the breeze and triggering the motion sensor on the camera–either pick a spot with no vegetation in the foreground or do a little trimming to provide a clear line of sight. But–keep in mind that doing too much trimming could alter the natural environment and scare away the animals.

• Position the camera at the appropriate height for the animals you are targeting. Generally, 3-4 feet off the ground is best for most game animals, but this can vary depending on the animals you are trying to capture.

• Once you’ve set up your camera, test it by walking through the area as you think an animal would. Check the images on your app to ensure the camera is at the right height and angle and to make sure the motion sensors work.

Every animal is different, and you may want to incorporate specific strategies to optimize your setup.

• Trails and Funnels: Deer are creatures of habit and often follow the same trails to and from feeding or bedding areas. Look for well-worn paths and natural funnels, then position your camera so it faces down the trail or across the funnel to catch deer as they move through.
• Food Sources: Deer are drawn to food. Place your camera at the edge of these areas, ideally where a trail enters the food source. Mount the camera about 3 feet off the ground to capture deer at eye level.

• High Country Meadows: Elk often graze in open meadows, in the morning and evening hours. Position your camera on a tree at the edge of a meadow and aim it toward the open area where elk are likely to hang out.
• Water Sources: Water can be a strong draw for elk during summer. Set up your camera near streams or pounds, and angle the camera so it captures movement on trails leading to these spots.

• Food Sites: Bears are big eaters and love abundant food sources such as berry patches, oak groves, or carrion sites. Bear activity signs include overturned rocks and claw marks or scratch marks on trees–observe these and position your camera accordingly.
• Bait Stations (Where Legal): If you are in an area where baiting is permitted, setting up a bait station will increase your chances of capturing bear activity. Place your camera 10-15 feet away from the bait, and angle it to capture bears as they come in to inspect the bait and feed off it.

• Roosting Sites: Turkeys often roost in the same trees each night. Identifying these trees and setting up a camera near them can yield images of turkeys as they fly down at dawn or return at dusk.

• Game Trails: Coyotes are opportunistic hunters and will often use the same trails as deer or other game animals. Use the same strategy as camera placement for deer.
• Scent Stations: Coyotes are curious and will often investigate new scents. A scent station with a lure or attractant can draw them in and provide excellent photo opportunities. If possible, place your camera downwind from the scent so it captures the coyote as it approaches.

General Tips for Trail Cam PlacementPositioning your cellular trail cam for wildlife viewing is both an art and a science. Your likelihood of capturing great images depends not only on understanding the behavior of the animals you’re targeting, choosing the right location, and fine-tuning your camera setup, but it also hinges on having a great cellular trail cam. Yes, there are many on the market; no, they are not all the same. Look for a cellular trail camera packed with features like night vision, ample memory, battery-saving electronics, and more. With the right trail cam and the right trail cam placement, you’ll be on your way to capturing great wildlife images.