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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 in front of it.
Cameras are often mounted pointing too high, so aim on the low side.
Once you have the camera in position, use bungee cords or camera straps and your python lock
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. Try to anticipate spring snowmelt and changing
conditions in many locations (this step may need to be repeated during future camera checks).
Test Your Set: Some 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 test images. 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.
For cameras without a test function, turn on the camera and walk in front of it, making sure to
cover as much ground as possible. Then open the camera and see what is captured in the
photo frame. Be sure to replace the memory card back in the camera and turn it back on,
and place a lock around the camera or through the lockbox containing the camera.
Index Photos: Whenever you set up or visit a camera trap be sure to capture an index photo.
When approaching an existing site, walk in front of the camera in order to get a photo of the
camera team visiting the camera. Before leaving a newly set up or serviced camera trap, once
again step in front of the camera in order to capture a photo of the team.
For new installations: hold up a sheet of paper with the following information written in
large clear letters on it: Camera installation name, date and time, team leader name,
latitude, longitude, altitude, and attractant used. Stand in front of the camera for 10 seconds
to make sure a clear photo is captured. All of this information will help us ensure that we are
