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3. Use the technical instructions for the appropriate camera model to replace the batteries and
memory card, check/set up all of the camera settings (Links to all model user guides are
below and on our website. Hard copies of user manuals are made available to team leaders
and stored in the office).
4. If appropriate for your camera trap, apply lure and install bait according to your specific site
instructions. Every site has unique directions, so be sure to understand and follow yours.
Please remember that a very little amount of lure goes a long way, and that too much can
deter animals. Their noses are much more powerful than ours. 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.
5. Carefully fill out the data sheet with all requested information.
6. Arm the camera to take pictures before leaving the site. Be sure to step in front of the
camera to capture a "camera check" image, which will act as a reference for the survey
period between camera checks. Hold a sheet of paper up with all the information mentioned
above for index photos.
After your Camera Trap Check
Email a brief report of your visit to your team and cc Laurel Baum (lbaum@conservationnw.org). 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 immediately upon return and cc: lbaum@conservationnw.org. Please
pass on any information about the site to your team members, even if it is not as critical as the examples
listed above. 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.
Review, tag, and upload the photos from retrieved memory cards to Google Drive (online photo sharing
service) and fill out an online data form (see instructions for both below). You also have the option of
returning the memory card(s) and data sheet(s) to your team leader or the nearest Conservation
Northwest office ASAP. That way we can get the photos from your camera downloaded, reviewed, and
stored in our database. Indicate how data is being returned to Conservation Northwest on your data
sheet in case the images and the data sheet are separated.
Cameras should be checked roughly once each month throughout the season, depending on the camera
location and accessibility. Your team leader will schedule camera checks to ensure that sites are being
maintained regularly.
