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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 affect 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.
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.
