80
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.
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.
Aiming the remote camera: Placing the camera about 10 feet 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
identification. Make sure that every place that an attractant is applied is within the
view of the camera so that wildlife spending time sniffing are captured on the
camera. Set the camera and then trigger it and review the images to be sure that
the area within the photo frame is appropriate.
Handling scent lures: Because the scent lures are so powerful it is vital to keep
them separate from the remote camera to avoid drawing attention to the camera
its self. Bears in particular can destroy remote cameras. Have one person on a
team carry and handle the lures and a separate person handle the camera.
When traveling in bear country with carnivore scent lures, always carry bear
spray. When camping with it, treat it like food and store it away from where you
camp, ideally hung from a tree as with precautions for food in bear country.
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.
Setting Two Remote Camera Traps in the Same Area
Most teams will have two remote cameras to deploy in their assigned area. Refer to the
specific guidelines for spacing of these camera traps and considerations for variations
between the two in the species-specific protocols for wolves, bears, and lynx. For
wolverines, these two cameras are used in conjunction with each other at the same trap
site (see wolverine specific protocol).
For general wildlife survey camera traps, as along Interstate 90, space your camera
traps at least 1 kilometer apart and attempt to set up the two cameras in distinctive
habitats. This will help increase the diversity of captured wildlife. Other considerations
might include setting cameras on opposite sides of the interstate, setting one on a trail
that clearly leads to the road or a culvert under the road, and a second in habitat a bit
more distant from the road.
