Wes Delks
There are few things that get a hunter’s blood pumping quite like the excitement that comes from knowing a 12-point buck is out there, somewhere. While some hunters rely on a lucky glimpse of movement, the most successful hunters gather critical information through effective herd management. By using trail cameras, you’ll be able to track your whitetail herd’s health, including information about how many bucks, does, and fawns you have, as well as how old they are. Here are five ways to make the most of these essential tools.
1. Find Out Where the Deer Are and Aren’t
Land that looks like it should be teeming with deer can sometimes be barren. To avoid disappointment during deer hunting season, you should set up trail cameras well in advance to learn where your herd likes to spend its time. Be sure your cameras have a good battery life, and consider using rubber boots and gloves in order to mask your scent.
2. Get to Know Your Herd
The pics you collect from your game camera's SD cards will provide valuable insight into your whitetail herd. You’ll be able to identify and age unique bucks, even giving them names if you like. This can add a fun, personalized element to your hunts and help you pick out target bucks.
3. Learn About Deer Behavior Patterns
Deer are creatures of habit, and their behavior often follows patterns. Trail cameras are great tools for tracking where deer have been, and they will tell you where they’re likely to go. These patterns change throughout the season as food sources vary and bucks behave differently during the rut. By using your trail cameras, you can get a feel for these patterns, giving you an edge when it's time to hunt.
4. Survey Your Herd
Trail cameras are one of the best ways to survey a deer herd. Researchers from the University of Missouri recommend placing one trail camera on every 100 acres and setting them to take pictures every 10 minutes for 14 days. Doing this before and after hunting season gives you a picture of up to 90% of your herd. Analyze the images to identify unique bucks and calculate the numbers of does and fawns. If local laws allow, you can even use bait like cracked corn to attract deer to your cameras.
5. Learn About Herd Problems
Trail cameras can help spot issues within your herd. Placing cameras near scrapes can reveal injured bucks, while images from your preseason survey can show if your herd includes too many late-born fawns. Photos from your cameras can also point to a predator problem if doe numbers seem low. The best trail cameras even show how many ticks and insects are on your deer, giving you a full picture of your herd’s health.
Feel Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Setting up and checking trail cameras is a fun, rewarding experience. When you plug their SD cards into your computer and review the pics, it’ll feel like a treasure hunt. If your hunting property is far away and you want to minimize trips, look into cellular trail cameras that transmit images over 4G or 5G networks. These images allow you to monitor your herd, spot problems, and select target bucks—all from the comfort of home.
