First things first, trail cameras vary greatly in price. You can get super affordable models that have very limited features and will probably give you the results you would expect from a bargain priced camera. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are cameras with all the bells and whistles, solar pads, data plans that instantly send you the photos without changing cards and more. However, somewhere in the middle there are cameras that are fairly priced, well made and have all the features you need without breaking the bank. A great example of this is the Cabela's Outfitter 14 MP IR HD Trail Camera. It takes high quality 14 MP photos in the daylight and black-and-white photos at night with 40 infrared LEDs, which means good photo clarity regardless of the time of day. The cameras can be triggered as far away as 100 feet during the day and 85 feet at night. Now, I have several different brands of cameras and this may be one of my biggest issues, the detection range is too short. Some of my cameras, animals darn near have to get close enough to lick it for them to trigger it at night. This most likely means a lot of missed photos for me. However, this Cabela's Outfitter has an extensive range to pick up game and has an adjustable sensitivity range of low/medium/high. Depending on the location of your camera and the activity around it, an adjustable trigger speed is important. On this camera, you can dial in your trigger speed to anywhere between 0 and 60 seconds. A quick trigger speed allows you to get more photos of game as they pass through on trails, however, over a feeder you may not want your trigger speed to be as quick to avoid taking hundreds of pictures that look virtually identical. If you want a more in depth look at a particular area you can configure this camera to take time lapse photos, day or night, for anywhere from 5 minutes to 8 hours. You can also utilize a video setting and take 10 to 90 second videos with each trigger of the camera.
When it comes to the unit itself, this camera is water proof, user friendly and easily mounted with included mounting options. The housing on this camera opens up to expose the battery compartment for easy access and also inside is a 2" LCD screen where you can view images right on the camera. This command center makes it easy to see the footage and photos you've taken, but also makes it simple to set up or change settings, as well.
Now, I do recognize that the use of trail cameras usually stirs some debate. Many people feel like the use of cameras directly conflicts with fair chase practices. As long as it's legal in your state, I say do whatever you like. The great thing about hunting is that we can all pursue game in the way we see fit, to each his own. If you're thinking about adding a trail camera to your hunting setup, check out this Cabela's Outfitter 14 MP IR HD Trail Camera!
Happy scouting friends!
- Trav