Good Trail Cam?

[PureLuck]

I am in the market for getting some trail cams but I am kind of skeptical on getting ones with flash. Does the flash spook the deer or dont they mind? And what is the best trail cam for the buck?

[hunTer06]

That is a long debated subject among hunters. As for me, I havent had any trouble with flash spooking deer. Ive owned 4 or 5 different brands of cameras and none of them spooked any of our deer. How do I know? Because they came by our cameras, night after night.

As for a good camera for the money, Moultrie has so great cameras for the buck. We havent had much luck with bushnell, but we just may have had a few bad apples. They just dont seem to stand up to the weather. We also have a Leaf River that has worked fantastic, but it is somewhat of a high dollar camera.

You can find some dirt cheap 35mm cameras, but I highly recommend a digital. While 35mm cameras tend to have a quick reaction time, the hastle and cost of developing all the pictures is to much in my opinion.

[bowhunter1023]

If you have deep pockets, the BuckeyeCams are the best on the market. Hands down.

Unfortunately, I spent most of my money on bows and gun and the like. I have two Cuddeback Excites. I love them. I have been running them non-stop since March and I couldn't be happier. They take great pictures and I have 24 pictures of the same buck in the same area over the course of a month all after dark. I have watch deer get their pictures taken and the flash never bothered them a bit.

I fooled around with Moultries and StealthCams before I bought the Cuddebacks. And I will never go back, only up to BuckeyeCams. I am big into trail cams and probably get 1,000 pictures a year. I'm addicted to it and probably enjoy it more than hunting sometimes. Don't buy cheap cameras. They eat batteries. They malfunction. And generally piss you off.

Just a sample for you...

I love the daytime color.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/CDY_0019.jpg

Triggers fast enough for me...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/CDY_0031.jpg

And nothing like seeing the big boys front and center.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q273/bowhunter1023/CDY_0007-2.jpg

[ap0317ah]

buy cuddieback in my honest opinion, moutries arn't worth the headache. im going to buy a few more when they come back on sale (i only have one right now the same one involved in the poop in the corn incident)
Tom

[PureLuck]

You say on sale? When is the best time to look at the cuddebacks?

[bowhunter1023]

You say on sale? When is the best time to look at the cuddebacks?

Feed Man is a member here. He set me straight on buying them from ebay. This guys store is right next to the Cuddeback factory. Check out his website. They can do all warranty work and get the most up-to-date cameras direct from Cuddeback. They are cheaper than everywhere else too.

www.fifieldseednfeed.com.

[Johnnie]

I'd check out Chasingame.com they have trail camera reviews and tests. I bought some last year ( Moultrie and Stealth) and have been very happy with both. So far, I have over 13,000 pictures on four cameras without any problems. Then, they cost about $160 each.

Johnnie

[bowhunter1023]

I'd check out Chasingame.com they have trail camera reviews and tests. I bought some last year ( Moultrie and Stealth) and have been very happy with both. So far, I have over 13,000 pictures on four cameras without any problems. Then, they cost about $160 each.

Johnnie

Forgot to mention that. I go over there all the time.

http://www.chasingame.com/

[PureLuck]

Thanks alot guys. You all have been a huge help. I will do a little more looking around but am almost positive i am going with a cudde.

[ap0317ah]

wise choice i wanted to drop kick my D*** moultrie into the next county
Tom

[Yeley0437]

Feed Man is a member here. He set me straight on buying them from ebay. This guys store is right next to the Cuddeback factory. Check out his website. They can do all warranty work and get the most up-to-date cameras direct from Cuddeback. They are cheaper than everywhere else too.

www.fifieldseednfeed.com. (http://www.fifieldseednfeed.com.)



how much cheaper??

[bb0bbby]

Would have to agree with the cuddeback experience....quicker response time & much more reliability. I put my moultrie below my cudde & missed more than 50% of the pics in a test week. The batteries last longer also.

As far as the flash goes, I would have to say placement is key. You do not want it too low to the ground as I have found that it may spook to some degree. Put it higher & point down. It seems to affect the more mature bucks a little less with it up high, almost like lightning or another natural light.

taking my 7 yr old out for youth hunt this weekend....wish us luck !

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/ebouscher/buck-1.jpg

[twins3b]

Moultrie has more than one model. Which ones are you guys having problems with? My hunting buddy and I have GameSpy 100's, Bass Pro 3.1's, GameSpy 200's, an I40 and I60. We have had problems with the the 3.1's and one of the 200's and your right they don't trigger nearly as well as others, but the new I40 and I60 are unreal. The battery life is incredible and the trigger speed is better than a cuddleback in a test we did side by side with a neighbor's cuddleback. We had 3000 pictures on our I60 last week (4 days). The only thing I don't like about the I's is the red led. I wish that it had invisible infrared like some of the more expensive ones. We've had several bucks get real jumpy while taking night time video. I don't think it is a really big problem because they come back night after night and one of the eight pointers was killed right in front of it last week. I really want a buckeyecam asap but until then I will be buying I40's. The I60's are great but I don't have any need for the lcd viewer. I always have a digital camera with me and if I want to look at the pics before I leave the woods I just use it. I'm sure you will enjoy which ever one you choose. It's a lot of fun to see what out there when your not.

[PureLuck]

You guys are giving me some really good information and now I just have to make the choice. Thanks Everyone.

[BuckEyeCam]

If you are not in a hurry you might want to want until 08 -
I hear someone is coming out with a new camera that has and will continue to beat Cudde.........:whistle:

Oh yeah and it will be upgradeable to wireless too.....neat little feature :)

Comes with everything - including a rechargeable battery that will get you around 15,000 pictures per charge (it also comes with a battery charger)
Mounting bracket, straps, memory card....everything needed to put it out into the field.....
Faster trigger speed (sub-second speed - avg 6 times faster than cudde)
Pictures as fast as 1 every second
True color during the day
Infrared at night
Adjustable resolution up to 3+meg daytime 3+meg at night
2 Video modes
More extended features than anything else on the market.....

We expect this camera to be the best on the market in 08 - Specially with the upgradeable wireless feature -

Watch for it - it will be here before you know it - it is called the Apollo by BuckEye Cam

[Milo]

If you are not in a hurry you might want to want until 08 -
I hear someone is coming out with a new camera that has and will continue to beat Cudde.........:whistle:

Oh yeah and it will be upgradeable to wireless too.....neat little feature :)

Comes with everything - including a rechargeable battery that will get you around 15,000 pictures per charge (it also comes with a battery charger)
Mounting bracket, straps, memory card....everything needed to put it out into the field.....
Faster trigger speed (sub-second speed - avg 6 times faster than cudde)
Pictures as fast as 1 every second
True color during the day
Infrared at night
Adjustable resolution up to 3+meg daytime 3+meg at night
2 Video modes
More extended features than anything else on the market.....

We expect this camera to be the best on the market in 08 - Specially with the upgradeable wireless feature -

Watch for it - it will be here before you know it - it is called the Apollo by BuckEye CamLETS US KNOW WHEN BROTHER!!:D

[bowhunter1023]

If you are not in a hurry you might want to want until 08 -
I hear someone is coming out with a new camera that has and will continue to beat Cudde.........:whistle:



That was a cheap shot! :tsk: :D ;)

[Arrow 1]

You might want to go to Bowsite.com and do a search on the trail cameras. It seems there is a bunch of folks over there that have nothing but problems with the Moultrie cameras. You can probably find some good ones too. Lots of info there.

As for the Buckeye Cams, they may or may not be the best but I do know that "Buckeye Cam" posted some "not so complimentary" comments about the Ohio Bowhunters Association, a year or so ago so, I choose never to put any money in his pocket. Don't ask me what he said. I don't remember exactly. I just remember it happened. but it was about the OBA and crossbows.

[brock ratcliff]

As a card carrying member of the OBA, I feel safe in stating that everything BuckEyeCam said in that post was accurate. I also believe you were doing a fine job of stirring the pot on that particular thread, as you typically do. Run your mouth some more Arrow 1, it is SO endearing.

The OBA is full of great people working hard to promote bowhunting in Ohio, too bad some are so mouthy, elite, holier than thou, ect that they give the OBA a bad image. In case you spent your time on the short bus, I am referring to YOU Arrow 1. Perhaps if your time was spent more in the pursuit of new membership versus bashing fellow hunters choice of equipment, we would belong to a stronger organization.

BuckEyeCam is by far the best trail cam available. The new Apollo series is the camera that every Cuddeback owner hoped for.

[Arrow 1]

I will support who I choose to support. The OBA is a great organization and I do not have to support people who trash it. Not stirring any pot. I just think folks should know who they are giving thier money to. If you disagree that is fine. But, it looks like you are the first one to throw out the crude comments!
I was just posting my views on cameras and who sells them. If a company comes here to get some free pub for thier product. I don't think it is a good idea to insult potential customers. Especially an organization of over 700 potential customers. ( refering to Buckeye Cam).Brock, I don't know why you are so upset at my comments. It did not involve you in any way shape or form. I have always enjoyed your posts on Bowsite and OS.com. and thought you were a prety good guy til now! I am entitled to my views as you are yours. Respond if you like but I am done with this one!! Discussions like this are not worth getting your blood pressure up!

[Llewellin01]

how much is this new camera?$$$$$

[BuckEyeCam]

You might want to go to Bowsite.com and do a search on the trail cameras. It seems there is a bunch of folks over there that have nothing but problems with the Moultrie cameras. You can probably find some good ones too. Lots of info there.

As for the Buckeye Cams, they may or may not be the best but I do know that "Buckeye Cam" posted some "not so complimentary" comments about the Ohio Bowhunters Association, a year or so ago so, I choose never to put any money in his pocket. Don't ask me what he said. I don't remember exactly. I just remember it happened. but it was about the OBA and crossbows.

For someone who claims to be some sort of self proclaimed power player in the OBA you really seem out of the loop.

Didn't seem to stop the OBA from taking donations from me at the last OBA banquet...... ooops, guess you didn't notice that
Did you stop by the booth we had set up at the banquet showing our support for the OBA?.....ooops, guess you didn't notice that

And how many raffle tickets did ole "BuckEye Cam" purchase from the OBA at the Ohio D&T show this year? ooops, guess you didn't notice that

You know what, lets not pull punches here, you seem to think you are somehow a leader within the OBA - What about this year, does the OBA want BuckEye Cam there to help support like we did last year?
Go ahead and post your answer right here...
That way I can pass it along to real leaders in the OBA when they ask me again this year.:whistle:

I think you are confusing my dislike for your views versus the views and great potential of the OBA.
This is EXACTLY what I was saying last year - but yet I still supported the OBA even though I don't agree with your views, some in the OBA actually are less narrow minded and open to change, ask Greg ;)....

Kinda ironic that you want to bash an OBA sponsor don't you think? :confused:

[Azzy]

Its a shame that some people (Arrow) are still so narrow minded about our sport. Not a good role model.

[BuckEyeCam]

how much is this new camera?$$$$$
Sorry I missed this one
The new camera is called the Apollo
They are $599 each - That includes everything - nothing else needed to be put in the field

If you get on the "pre-order" list you get your
choice of 1 of the following with every pre-order

Free solar panel per camera orderor

Free extra battery per camera orderor

Discount off wireless upgrade per camera order
Basic "Fine Print"
Pre-orders are shipped first and must be secured with a credit card and valid shipping/billing address.
There are no limits on pre-orders
Once the Apollos start shipping we will no longer take pre-orders and will no longer be offering the incentives.

To get on the list call 1-866-325-8172 (8-5 EST M-F) and we will be adding to our online shop soon so you can pre-order online as well.

[Arrow 1]

For someone who claims to be some sort of self proclaimed power player in the OBA you really seem out of the loop.

Didn't seem to stop the OBA from taking donations from me at the last OBA banquet...... ooops, guess you didn't notice that
Did you stop by the booth we had set up at the banquet showing our support for the OBA?.....ooops, guess you didn't notice that

And how many raffle tickets did ole "BuckEye Cam" purchase from the OBA at the Ohio D&T show this year? ooops, guess you didn't notice that

You know what, lets not pull punches here, you seem to think you are somehow a leader within the OBA - What about this year, does the OBA want BuckEye Cam there to help support like we did last year?
Go ahead and post your answer right here...
That way I can pass it along to real leaders in the OBA when they ask me again this year.:whistle:

I think you are confusing my dislike for your views versus the views and great potential of the OBA.
This is EXACTLY what I was saying last year - but yet I still supported the OBA even though I don't agree with your views, some in the OBA actually are less narrow minded and open to change, ask Greg ;)....

Kinda ironic that you want to bash an OBA sponsor don't you think? :confused:

OK, I will give this one more reply,

Buckeye Cam, I don't know where you got the self proclaimed power player stuff. I have never said anything like that nor have I ever hinted about it. Nor , do I have a desire to be a leader, or power player Of the OBA, if there is such a thing as you say.So, quit throwing out false statements. I have ALWAYS claimed to be a dues paying member ONLY! I strongly believe in what the club does and I don't think folks on this site give it enough support. That is why I talk about it. I use the OBA logo as an avatar and I post a link to the club at the bottom just to give the club some free advertisement. I'm sure you know about free advertisement. You do the same with your products that you are profiting from. I don't think I have mentioned the OBA, on this site for about a year!

I was at the banquet last year but, I did not see your booth. But, I am sure the club appreciates your support. And, as a peon in the club, I thank you too! It is only good bussiness to suppoort all ends of the political arena even if you do not agree with their politics. Do you advertise in the newsletter? I don't remember seeing it if you do. I always look at those and try to support those folks when possible.

But, I do remember, not only were you taking jabs at me, you did take a couple at the club! That is what stuck with me! And , just because I don't share your views does not mean I'm narrow minded. That is an easy word for anybody to throw out when you have disagreement.

Since you have donated to the OBA, I will eat crow on this public forum and tell you I will give your products a serious look next year when I get ready to replace the worthless trail cam I have now. If your product suits my needs and budget I will buy one.

Just out of curiousity, what did you donate to the club? Peons like me don't get the list! That is reserved for the power players!

By the way, What is the connection with you and Brock Ratcliff? Is he getting a cut from your bussiness? First of all he posts a flaming reply about my first trail cam post. Then he sends me a private message calling me a name. I understand your hostility but why would he be so pissed off?

[BuckEyeCam]

Being that there was MAYBE 10 vendors at the banquet with fairly low turnout, if you went through at all I don't know how you missed the booth/table. But you do give the answer as to whether or not it was time well spent - since you didn't see us and didn't know we donated what is the point of even being there? I mean if no one knows we are supporting the OBA why be there?

We donated BEC apparel, videos, etc. (About $300 worth of product if you must know)

The only reason I even considered doing this much was because of the members that contacted me that actually represented the OBA in a rational and professional manner. They seemed more realistic and had broad views of the entire organization rather than the narrow minded views of a few.
Quite honestly I was not interested in being associated with the OBA after listening to you on this forum. Matter of fact I even put that in the post you were referring to in the beginning. If you cannot support the sport then why should I support your organization?

I am not interested in redirecting the OBA's position or beliefs but I will choose to support organizations that does not belittle ANY LEGAL methods of hunting. Those organizations that openly belittles ANY hunter using legal methods will not get support from BuckEye Cam. We actually support the entire sport.

Maybe if you spent a little less time with this:
"The legalization of crossbows during bow season has ruined bowhunting in Ohio! A crossbow is NOT a bow!"
and a little more time with this:
"SUPPORT YOUR SPORT!!!"
You could actually make a difference.

If you would have been busy at the banquet and D&T promoting the OBA you would have made a real effort to meet with vendors who are there supporting your organization.
Both times I was approached by some from the OBA who did just that. Just a hand full of members but they ALWAYS come to our booth and let us know that we are making a difference.

Our company is named ATSI (Athens Technical Specialists Incorporated)- we are incorporated and have been in business for over 20 years. BEC is only one of the products we engineer, manufacture and sell.
We are a small south eastern Ohio company with less than 16 full time employees.
We are a company with real values and try to support locally, even when we know it may not be the most "profitable" way to spend our day. I feel in the end it shows we are here to support hunters as much as a little company can.
That is why we are teamed up with Slunger Hollow Productions - they are local to us, do a GREAT job representing the sport and Ohio.

Brock does not get ANYTHING from ATSI/BuckEye Cam.
You should ask Brock directly not me as I cannot speak for Brock.

[oldwon]

I have 2 of the IR Cuddies and they DO NOT trigger in 3/4 sec as some think. Its more like 3 - 4 sec. The excite and the other one do trigger in 3/4 sec. I bought 2 Leaf Rivers IR's and they trigger faster than our Cuddies. Much faster as a matter of fact. Cuddie has the name but look around and read chasingame.com camera comparisons. you might be surprised.

[outdrjoe]

i like the moultries i have 2 got some nice pics and the battery life lasts long

[medicsnoke]

I hate my Cuddeback excite........buy a gamespy 4.0 from moutrie

[BuckEyeCam]

LETS US KNOW WHEN BROTHER!!:D
Getting close - some pictures with the beta camo
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/product.php?productid=16187&cat=24&page=1

http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/side1_NB.jpg
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/front_NB.jpg
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/side2_NB.jpg
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/side3_NB.jpg

[bowhunter1023]

Hunting is all about sexy. And those are sexy :shhh:

[Milo]

Getting close - some pictures with the beta camo
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/product.php?productid=16187&cat=24&page=1

http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/side1_NB.jpg
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/front_NB.jpg
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/side2_NB.jpg
http://shop.buckeyecam.com/store/images/D/side3_NB.jpg
Oh yeah baby..I gotz some 2 legged deer I need ta keep track of....I likie! have you determined a MSRP yet for the bare model( non cellular?)

[BuckEyeCam]

The Apollo retails for $599 and you can get a free solar panel ($115) with every pre-ordered Apollo. See the web site for more details

It does everything and can be upgraded to wireless at anytime - no Milo not cellular but wireless with a base unit...... :)

[Milo]

The Apollo retails for $599 and you can get a free solar panel ($115) with every pre-ordered Apollo. See the web site for more details

It does everything and can be upgraded to wireless at anytime - no Milo not cellular but wireless with a base unit...... :)
Man thats looks sweet...somebody need to invent a gps tracker for that bad boy in case it grows legs....thats my biggest fear honestly but i have had a tree stand stolen buy someone cutting down the tree it was on so i may be freakin out a little.:irked:

[BuckEyeCam]

Most home owners insurance will cover these under personal property.....

[Milo]

Most home owners insurance will cover these under personal property.....Yeah but I can't beat the theif's azz...:yikes::D

[OhioStuds2310]

I wouldnt suggest a top of the line camera like a Cudde or a Buckeye if you plan on placing the camera where it has any chance of gettin stolen. You can get a Moultrie which is what I use for $150 for the 5.0 megapixels. Very clear pictures, good trigger speed, 15 second video option , day and night color photos, 60 ft flash range. All personal preference though. Good luck with whichever one you choose.