Wildlife Cameras

[RanchMan]

Not sure if this has been posted in the past, but for those of you who would like to have a camera on your property to take pictures of critters running 'round, but are looking for a lower cost alternative to those available on the market, this page gives plans/info on building your own.

I built 3 based on the plans given for about the cost of 1 "commercial" version. I routinely put them on different areas of my property to see "what's out there." (I made some small monopods they sit on out of some 1" dowels and 3/8" plywood). I just pick a location, use a hammer to "set" the monopod, put the camera unit on top, and come back in a week or so.

It's really kindof fun when you take the film in to get developed, to paraphrase Mr. Gump, "..you never know what you're gonna get."


http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/homebrew-cams.html#notes

By the way, I would have put a picture of one of my cams here, but they are all out "in the field" right now.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I bought a digital camtrakker last year and would probally never use a film camera but it is a neat site for people that like to tinker. It also makes good use of your old camera if you recently bought digital. Later

 

[ewoss3]

thanks for the camera info, I've been wanting to build some so I can find out who is dumping trash. most of the time they are dumping it in broad daylight

 

[Thomas]

I agree..for its another world after dark when it comes to wildlife. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

By the sounds you got a good idea,and I'm wondering how this would work on a video camrea.

Black bears vs video camrea..the camrea doesn't stand a chance. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
I had a video camrea $$ one smash in tiny pieces /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif and come to find out it was the smell of the VHS tape that attracted the bears.
I had to make a guard out of 12" 1/4 water pipe than weld expanded metal in the front and cut 3" hole for the lens,than chain guard to the tree.
The only problem was the bears were to darn close to the lens..a black blurr..oh well it was fun.

Have you try useing mirrors?
If you get a chance use about 4' high by 2' or so mirror and place it on a stand which can turn 180 degress both ways.and tie a string on each corner so you can pull.
Place the mirror in a well known area where the wildlife travels..I won't tell you what happens,but you should get some good action footage..also some /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif..Don't try this trick during the mating season on moose or large whitetails,or you'll be picking up broken glass. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Thomas]

It didn't take long to figure out why my better half humming bird feeders were being destory...MOOSE. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif
The moose must think its a lolliepop..sugar mix w/water.

 

[looch]

Thomas, Were there always moose in your area or are they making a comeback? I know Vermont didn't have many until the last 5 or 10 years. There's a provincial park here right next to Maine. You have to enter a drawing to have a chance to hunt there. They boast a 96% success rate. My father went last year, hunt was over in 45 minutes. They saw 21 more while they were humping it out of the woods. They are really doing a good job up here with these animals.