Trail Cameras

[Aaron600]

There’s more nuance to it than that.
Wireless cameras are not allowed for hunting between Aug 1 and Dec 10, except in region 1, where they’re no allowed year round.

The definition of ‘wireless camera’ is vague enough to catch honest folk out - it says “WIRELESS CAMERA - means a camera that obtains an image by means of a remote or infrared sensor and that is capable of sending an image remotely to an electronic device.” I believe you could end up in hot water even if you didn’t have such a camera connected to a plan as it is technically capable of wireless use.

You need to have the antenna unscrewed and not on you or on the camera.

[.330 Dakota]

Well technically you could set up in a cellular coverage area, have severe cameras out, and say sitting in a blind, and know where and when and what animal is coming in from what direction, and say head there.

I can say that, as I don't even own a camera yet.

I suppose,,but really if cell cameras tip the conservation scales, then we have much bigger issues to solve,,and we do

[mike31154]

I have 2 conventional cams & 1 Spy Point. The Spy Point comes home during hunting season. Using it to monitor the rat population at my compost pile now lol. The conventional jobs (2 pack on sale at Can Tire a few years ago) are much more user friendly other than having to go check them physically. The app for the Spy Point can be frustrating & if you don't get the settings right it will eat through your batteries in no time. They offer solar panels as accessories to keep it running but that costs $$$$. On cellular they give you limited number of photos or videos free per month & you need to buy into a plan to get more. The freebies are gone toute de suite. Not worth it IMO.

[2chodi]

I don't have any cellular cams, but I do know a couple of things:

1) Cellular cams use batteries more quickly — I am not sure if that applies if there is no antenna. Maybe someone knows, but if there is no SIM in the camera, it may provide at least some relief of battery drain.

2) A friend won a four pack of Bushnell cellular cameras — that particular model can't be configured unless he subscribes to their cellular service, so you are stuck with the default configuration. That might be OK for the most part.

[mike31154]

I don't have any cellular cams, but I do know a couple of things:

1) Cellular cams use batteries more quickly — I am not sure if that applies if there is no antenna. Maybe someone knows, but if there is no SIM in the camera, it may provide at least some relief of battery drain.

2) A friend won a four pack of Bushnell cellular cameras — that particular model can't be configured unless he subscribes to their cellular service, so you are stuck with the default configuration. That might be OK for the most part.

My Spy Point Flex cellular can be configured to turn off that function & it will simply save events to the SD card, same as a non-cellular. And yes, the batteries last much longer that way. Just removing the antenna won't disable the cellular function, it will continue to search for a signal & eat up battery life. It has to be configured through the app.

[BearSupreme]

I have owned a few trail cameras from different companies over the years. I used to like Moultrie until they named 2 completely different cameras the 990i, the second version being completely useless and both broke within the year. Terrible value for 200+ each, will never buy Moultrie again after that and no response from customer service. My Spypoint is absolute junk too, may as well tape a pineapple to a tree cause it will take about the same amount of pictures.

I decided to go cheaper for my last few. My all time favorite is the GardePro A3. Takes amazing pictures, video and sound. The detection is top notch and the IR range is amazing, definitely 100ft or more. The battery life is also amazing, I can get 1800 pictures/videos on a set of Energizer batteries. For 90 dollars on Amazon (50-60 on sale) you really cant go wrong IMO. I also have a couple iZeekers (50 bucks) and they are alright, I had one stop working for no reason this year and had to reset it to start taking pictures again. Decent quality pics/videos but not nearly as good as the GardePro.

[boilerroom]

I have owned a few trail cameras from different companies over the years. I used to like Moultrie until they named 2 completely different cameras the 990i, the second version being completely useless and both broke within the year. Terrible value for 200+ each, will never buy Moultrie again after that and no response from customer service. My Spypoint is absolute junk too, may as well tape a pineapple to a tree cause it will take about the same amount of pictures.

I decided to go cheaper for my last few. My all time favorite is the GardePro A3. Takes amazing pictures, video and sound. The detection is top notch and the IR range is amazing, definitely 100ft or more. The battery life is also amazing, I can get 1800 pictures/videos on a set of Energizer batteries. For 90 dollars on Amazon (50-60 on sale) you really cant go wrong IMO. I also have a couple iZeekers (50 bucks) and they are alright, I had one stop working for no reason this year and had to reset it to start taking pictures again. Decent quality pics/videos but not nearly as good as the GardePro.

Thanks for the info - timing is great. I've been looking at the GardePro A3S - I think it's the new model? Hoping for a good black friday/cyber monday deal...

[LBM]

Thanks for the info - timing is great. I've been looking at the GardePro A3S - I think it's the new model? Hoping for a good black friday/cyber monday deal...

They just went off sale couple days ago but will again soon i would think. Between 2 of us we have about 20 of the gardepros I prefer the 5 but dont no if can get any more so have been getting the
A3s when on sale. Use the Energizer ultimate lithium in them especially in winter. I only run them on video mode as well.

[caddisguy]

They just went off sale couple days ago but will again soon i would think. Between 2 of us we have about 20 of the gardepros I prefer the 5 but dont no if can get any more so have been getting the
A3s when on sale. Use the Energizer ultimate lithium in them especially in winter. I only run them on video mode as well.

Curious the logic of using lithium in the winter vs alkaline?

I love those Gardepro cameras. I run mine on video as well. A picture is worth a thousand words but a 30 second 30fps video is 900 pictures

[BearSupreme]

Thanks for the info - timing is great. I've been looking at the GardePro A3S - I think it's the new model? Hoping for a good black friday/cyber monday deal...

Glad it helps! The A3S is just a bit better quality but pretty sure everything is the same. I recommended them to a couple buddies and they love them too. Even better if you can wait to buy them, they seem to go on sale regularly and Black Friday is usually 50-60 bucks, cant go wrong!