How to Place Your Trail Camera for Best Results

Trail cameras have become essential tools for wildlife enthusiasts, hunters, and researchers alike. They provide a unique opportunity to capture captivating images and videos of animals in their natural habitat. However, the success of your camera setup largely depends on one critical factor: Location. 

photo from Roger Gordon Cruse

Step 1: Determine Your Specific Goal

Before you even strap the camera to a tree, ask yourself: What is my objective? Your goal dictates your placement strategy.

For Wildlife Observation & Inventory:

If you want to see what animals are in the area, place cameras on high-traffic travel corridors or near food sources. You want a wide field of view to catch movement.

For Security & Surveillance:

If you are monitoring property, focus on entry points like gates and driveways. In this case, mounting the camera higher (above eye level) and angling it down is crucial to prevent theft.

Step 2: Find the "Hotspots" (Location Scouting)

You can't just guess. You need to find where the animals already are. Look for these key features:

Water Sources:

In dry seasons, a small pond or creek crossing is a magnet for all species. Aim your trail camera at the water's edge, not the middle of the water, to catch them drinking.

Travel Corridors & Funnels:

Animals take the path of least resistance. Look for "pinch points" where a fence line breaks, or where a thick brush thicket narrows down to a single trail. These are natural funnels that force animals to walk right past your lens.

Natural Food Sources:

Oak trees dropping acorns, fruit trees, or the edge of crop fields are prime locations. If you find fresh scat or tracks near these areas, set up your camera immediately.

Step 3: The "North-Facing" Rule (Lighting)

Bad lighting ruins more photos than anything else. Here is the Golden Rule of camera placement:

ALWAYS aim your camera North (or South). NEVER East or West.

• Sunrise/Sunset Issues: If your trail camera faces East or West, the rising or setting sun will shine directly into the lens. This causes "white-out" photos (overexposure) and triggers the sensor falsely due to rapid heat changes.
• Best Light: Facing North provides the most consistent, diffuse light throughout the day, preventing harsh shadows and lens flare.

Step 4: How to Stop "False Triggers" (Empty Photos)

Nothing is more frustrating than checking your SD card to find 5,000 photos of a waving branch. Here is how to fix it:

Clear the "Kill Zone":

Bring a machete or garden shears. You must clear all tall grass, weeds, and hanging branches in the 10-15 feet directly in front of your camera. Sun-heated vegetation blowing in the wind will trick the PIR sensor into thinking an animal is moving.

Check Your Sensitivity:

If it's a hot, windy summer day, lower your camera's sensitivity settings. On cold winter days, you can increase sensitivity. High sensitivity in heat often leads to false triggers.

Secure Mounting is Key:

Use a tight strap or a screw-in mount. If the camera itself wobbles on the tree during a storm, it will trigger itself. The camera must be rock-solid.

Step 5: Concealment & Security

To keep your camera safe from thieves and getting spooked game:

Go High (The 6-Foot Rule):

Instead of mounting the camera at waist height (where it's easily seen by people and deer), try mounting it 6-7 feet up the tree and angling it downward. This keeps it out of a deer's direct line of sight and makes it harder for a thief to grab.

Use Natural Camouflage:

Don't leave the strap flapping in the wind. Tuck it in. You can also wedge some leaves or bark around the camera body (without blocking the lens) to break up its outline.

Conclusion

Choosing the right location for your trail camera installation is vital for maximizing the potential of capturing captivating wildlife moments. By following these rules—facing North, clearing vegetation, and finding natural funnels—you will significantly reduce empty files and increase your "keeper" rate. Remember to respect wildlife and their habitats while enjoying the beauty and wonder they offer. Happy scouting!