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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 2013 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
After your Camera Check
1. Email a brief report of your visit to your team leader. If there are any important news/findings, such
as signs of a Level 1 species, problems with the camera or location, etc…contact your team leader
immediately upon return and cc: Conservation Northwest –and alison@conservationnw.org and
jwatkins@conservationnw.org If not critical, still please pass on any information about the site to
your team leader. The next team will greatly benefit from a brief report, including site conditions,
what you learned about animals in the area, topography, hazards, and any outstanding questions.
Team leaders will be the communication point between your team and Conservation Northwest.
