Conservation Northwest

• • • • • • • • toward this area. Avoid sites within 500 m of campsites or human sign, or 250 m of human trails if possible (this may be difficult for some of the I-90 locations). At a minimum select a site out of the line of site from major trails and/or roads. If setting up a camera to target a trail, try to aim it at a 45-degree angle to the trail (instead of shooting up or down the trail, or directly perpendicular to it). A 45-degree angle generally captures the best images. Find two trees (or a tree and a rock, log or other feature the camera can be aimed downward at), about 10 feet apart; one tree that is both large enough to mount the camera on and sturdy enough that it won't sway too much in breezes. The other tree or landscape feature is for spreading the lure on and can be any size, but make sure it is large/sturdy enough though to withstand animals rubbing and leaning against it and that the camera is angled properly to aim toward that area. For best results, consider how the light may effect the photos. Shadows and light changes themselves can actually trigger the camera, but note that pointing the camera in a north-south direction often offers the best results when possible. Look for a clear site or one that you can easily clear the camera's view if obstructed by branches, leaves, or brush – plan to use a knife or saw if needed in forested areas to clear the screen. Be diligent about removing vegetation in the camera's view, especially from the foreground, as it can produce false triggers when swaying in the wind or when the sun hits it and creates shadows. Attach the camera to the mounting tree, above eye level (or at chest level) and pointed downward toward the trunk of the other tree/feature that you are spreading lure on. Depending upon the camera model you have, use the laser or test feature (see details below) and other team members to help aim it at the right location. Consider the size of the animal species that you are targeting while aiming the camera. Point it low enough to capture smaller animals like wolverine and pine marten, while the placement of the actual camera on the tree is high enough to get a view of larger animals, like deer or bear, walking by in front of it. * Most often, cameras are mounted with an error of pointing too high, so aim on the low side. Some cameras (i.e. Bushnell) have a viewer feature that will allow you to actually view the test images recorded. Use this feature if you have it, or have been supplied with a detached viewer. Once you have the camera in position, use bungee cords and/or other methods to secure the camera to the tree. Branches or nearby wood may be helpful to help tilt the camera downward to ensure the aim is correct. Anticipating spring snowmelt and changing conditions in many locations, this step may need to be repeated during future camera checks. After camera is secure, place your lock around the camera. Make sure that lock cannot be slid off of the camera, but is secured to it. Placing the camera about 10' from the lure tree/feature (or even a little farther out depending on the angle of the camera) is best for most camera models to avoid cutting off or only capturing portions of animals. Full view of an animal's features is often needed for sure species ID. Record the GPS coordinates (use Datum WGS 84, and lat/long coordinates) on your data sheet only if this is a camera install/move or they were not previously recorded. Carefully fill out all of the other information requested on the data sheet. 33

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