53 CWMP 2013-2014 Winter Field Season Report
Lighting: 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.
Visual obstructions and False Triggers: 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.
Mounting Instructions: 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.
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 or through the provided lockbox the camera is
mounted in.
Test Your Set: Most of our cameras have a test function in setup mode.
Following your camera model instructions, place your camera in test mode. Have
one person walk in front of the camera and look for the red flashing light. Test the
range of your camera by walking back and forth. The red flashing light indicates
where the camera catches an image. Some cameras have a viewer feature that
will allow you to actually view the test images recorded. Use this feature if you
have it, or you can use a standard digital camera to view images as well. Set up
your camera and walk in front of it in the location you anticipate wildlife to travel.
Then turn off the camera, remove the memory card and view the photos on your
viewer or camera. Reposition as needed. Be sure to replace the memory card
back in the camera and turn it back on!
Data Sheet: Record the GPS coordinates (use Datum WGS 84, lat/long
coordinates) on your data sheet only if this is a camera install/move or they were
