Basic Overview of Camera Check
• Upon arriving, walk in front of the camera and trigger the motion sensor. This picture will
verify that the camera is working and also serve as a reference if the date/time is incorrect.
(make sure to record the actual date and time of the check on your data sheet so that we
can match against the date/time on the photos when we download them in the office in
case there is any malfunction with the camera date/time). If the camera does not trigger,
your batteries may already have died or your memory card is full.
• Unlock the cable lock with your keys to access the camera
• Use the technical instructions (Pg. 8 ) for the appropriate camera model to replace the
batteries and memory card, check/set up all of the camera settings (Links to all models users
guides is below and on our website. Hard copies of user manuals are made available to
team leaders and stored in the office.)
• Apply lure and install bait according to your specific sites instructions (Every site has unique
directions, be sure to understand and follow yours). Please remember that a very little
amount of lure goes a long ways, and that too much long can deter animals. Their noses are
much more powerful than ours.
o If you are applying bait you will receive specific instructions from our staff and/or
advisory council on this. Do not apply bait at your site unless instructed. Wolverine
teams are the only ones utilizing bait in the 2012 season.
• Make sure to apply the scent in the area the camera is aimed at so that wildlife spend time
sniffing in the focus of the camera. Also, apply a small drop of lure higher on the tree so
that the scent is better picked up in the wind. Make sure to record the exact names of the
lure(s) applied by your team on your data sheet. This information will be entered into our
database to track the wildlife response to different lures.
o With fish oil, fish fertilizer, or oil from a sardine can, you can apply the scent more
liberally by pouring some with the aid of a branch lower on the tree and also higher,
creating an oil slick that will remain on the tree through rain events.
o With professional scent lures (like those in small bottles) remember a little goes a
long ways. Simply use a branch dipped into the bottle for application, and drop a
few drops at the base of the tree. You can apply some to the bark of the tree as
well and hang the "lure twig" there or insert it in the bark, but do remember
moderation.
o If no lure trees are available in the desired location where you would like to place
the camera (game trail, etc), you can always scent a large downed log, large
boulder, or pile of rocks located in the view of the camera. We have had great
success with this in the past as a substitute for trees, especially for species where
you are looking to utilize game trails.
• Carefully fill out the data sheet with all requested information
• Arm the camera to take pictures before leaving the site
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