How to Hunt with a Scouting Camera

Part I. All about the camera

Chapter 1. How a scouting camera can make you a better hunter
The use of a scouting camera has grown exponentially in the last decade, which is a testament to two things: First, using a scouting camera is good clean fun. Hunters have discovered that scouting cameras give them yet another method of hunting. Second, scouting cameras enhance the whole hunting experience. Remote photos provide a series of clues as to the habits and whereabouts of various deer. The hunter employs these clues in an effort to successfully harvest a deer, perhaps even a trophy buck.

Chapter 2. The inside scoop on scouting cameras
Scouting cameras are, in essence, the combination of two common products- a camera and a heat-in-motion sensor. By combining the two, one gets the ability to hunt 24/7. Find out the art and science behind what’s inside today’s scouting cameras and how they work.

Chapter 3. How to buy the right scouting camera for you
Like any other product, scouting cameras are available from multiple manufactures. In this chapter, we’ll explain how they differ and what to look for. Even if you already own a scouting camera, this information will be useful because, to paraphrase the potato chip commercial, “nobody can have just one!”

Chapter 4: Scouting cameras and your computer
Today’s digital scouting cameras give you the ability to interface with your PC and other electronic devices. Find out how to download, organize and store your images on your computer to make the entire scouting camera experience more informative and entertaining.

Part II. Hunting with your scouting camera

Chapter 5. How to see what’s out there
First time scouting camera users are almost always shocked at how many deer actually use their property. There are also frequently surprised by the size of the bucks their camera photographs. Here is how to design a scouting camera approach or plan to figure out what you want to accomplish with your scouting camera.

Chapter 6. Tracking trails
Most first time scouting camera users set their cameras overlooking a deer trail only to be disappointed in the number of images they get. We will tell you how and when to monitor trails and what you can expect to see.

Chapter 7. Scouting over scrapes
If you want to see what bucks you have on (or passing through) your property during the rut, setting your camera over a scrape is the way to go. We will tell you how to create a scrape set-up that will give you the most and the best photos. We will also tell you how to select the right scrape.

Chapter 8. Managing food plots
Food plots have become a very popular method of attracting and growing big bucks. Naturally, they are a logical place to set up a scouting camera. Here’s how, when and where to set up your camera(s) to see exactly what’s coming to dinner. And, here’s how to use your camera to determine when and where to hunt your food plots.

Chapter 9. Following deer at feeders
If you want large numbers of scouting camera photos, or even if you want to know if there is a big buck in the neighborhood, set up your camera overlooking a feeder. Deer won’t refuse an easy meal-even, eventually, Mr. Big! But, like anything else, there is a best way to do it. Learn what food to use, where to put the camera and how to avoid spooking Mr. Big.

Chapter 10. From fun photos to hunting tactics
So you’ve got lots of great photos, now what? Here’s how to analyze your photos to gain the edge you need to bag that big buck. Like any endeavor, hunting is a mental game. Sometimes, having evidence of a big bucks existence is enough to get you to stay on stand. And more often than not, that’s all it takes!

Chapter 11. Scouting cameras all year long
Too many scouting camera users pack their cameras away after the season. Here’s why you need to keep your cameras out all year long. You never know what you might be missing!

Part III. Cameras as a management tool

Chapter 12. Informal herd survey
You can use your scouting camera to conduct an informal deer survey. You’ll be able to use the mark/recapture system to accurately estimate the size of the herd on your property. You’ll also be able to assess the buck to doe ratio, age structure and herd health.

Chapter 13. Advanced/formal herd surveys
With enough scouting cameras you be able to duplicate the more sophisticated survey techniques that wildlife biologists use. With a little effort, you’ll get to know the dynamics of the herd on your property.

Chapter 14. Designing a QDM strategy using your scouting camera
Perhaps the single most effective way of growing big bucks on you property is to practice “quality deer management”. Your scouting camera will help you to determine how to best implement this strategy.

Chapter 15. How to conduct a deer census with scouting cameras and a food plot
One effective method of learning what deer make up the population on your property is to set up scouting cameras on a food plot during the summer months. This way you’ll know, come hunting season, which deer are in the neighborhood.

Chapter 16. Tracking survey results from year to year
The dynamics of your deer herd will change from year to year based on the severity of winter, weather and its effect on food sources, disease, hunting pressure and management practices, not to mention what’s going on at neighboring properties. By comparing and analyzing you annual survey results, you can determine what actions to take.

Part IV. Other uses for your scouting camera

Chapter 17. Using you camera for bear
Bear hunters find a scouting camera particularly useful. Not only will your scouting camera tell you when your bear bait is being hit, it will also show you the size of the bear. This way you know which baits are worth hunting. One potential pitfall connected with using scouting cameras for bears is the bears’ penchant for destroying cameras. Learn how to reduce the likelihood of this happening.

Chapter 18. Using your scouting camera for small game and game birds
While scouting cameras aren’t as vital for small game and game birds in terms of gathering hunting information, they can be educational and entertaining. Determining what critter is digging in your yard, stealing your bait, or harassing your pet can all be useful information. Getting a memorable photo of a strutting tom turkey, a drumming grouse or a colorful rooster pheasant after a snowfall can be rewarding.

Chapter 19. Scouting cameras can be a great way to get non-hunters out-of-doors
Using a scouting camera is really just another form of hunting. This is a big reason cameras have become so popular. Hunting with a scouting camera is a terrific way for hunters to involve youngsters and significant others in the outdoors. Cameras are also a great way to show school children what lives in the outdoors in the woods and wetlands.

Chapter 20. Wild and crazy ways to use your scouting camera
Want to have even more fun with your scouting camera? Set up at a fence crossing to see how deer cross. Put your camera at a water crossing to see deer swim or jump. Put your camera overlooking a gut-pile or carcass to see what eats the remains. Set up a mirror to see the reaction of a deer, turkey, etc. These and more fun-filled tips…

Chapter 21. How to get great, award winning photos with your scouting camera
Nobody sees more great scouting camera photos than Walt Larsen, who coordinates three different scouting camera contests. Here’s what you need to know to get dramatic and striking photos. And, how to setup for a compositionally strong photo.

Chapter 22. Using you scouting camera as an inexpensive surveillance system
If you have property you want to “watch” remotely or if you suspect your hunting land is being used by trespassers, a scouting camera can be a great way to verify your suspicion: There is nothing like virtual proof to stop these perpetrators. There are other clever uses as well including watching the progress of a building project, monitoring loads out of a work zone, etc.

Part V. The future of scouting cameras

Chapter 23.The changing technology in scouting cameras
First, it was film cameras, which required frequent trips to the one-hour photo shop. Then it was digital, which dramatically reduced the day-to-day cost of scouting camera use, bringing more people into the market. Now, there are ways to have images sent from your remote scouting camera to your computer immediately after they have been captured. What’s on the horizon? Here is what to expect.