How To: Keep a trail camera from being stolen!

[@ExodusOutdoorGear]

Great tips! We've also found that elevated sets tend to be the most effective way to avoid trail camera theft.

[@benjaminoppong-twumasi9662]

Never having used a trail cam kzbin.infoUgkx2sTDdZXomuxedMg_HothfjSXjR3rpPkA before, I was very impressed with the quality of the images and videos. The sensitivity of the camera can be adjusted as well as the length of video recordings. Once I found the sweet spot, I was getting great clips of deer and other animals almost every day. I was worried about battery life but have been running off the same 4 aa batteries for over a month. The SD card is easy to remove and connect to a computer. I have a Mac, and the AVI files open natively in QuickTime and are easy to save and share. This is a great, budget-friendly trail cam.

[@bobrosenbalm5104]

We always carry a 3-foot aluminum ladder which is very very lightweight and we lean it against a tree and stand on top of it now I am 6 foot 1 and standing on a 3 foot ladder makes it 9 ft and we have done this for years because we have had SD card stolen and cameras taken so we put them up high at least 9 or 10 ft it's really sad that a hunter has to do this sort of thing that there is not much honor left in the woods these days. Good video Try Your ladder it is much simpler. Good video

[@wolfeadventures]

But don’t you miss quite a bit of animal activity close to the ground?

[@Bens359pete]

Today there are as many thieves in the woods as they are in the cities. Damn shame

[@robertheintz8017]

Too many Liberals trying to sabotage hunters.

[@kellyspann9845]

My brother use to put 2 cameras up. One camera would be pointed at the second camera from a distance to catch a thief getting one or the other. They never looked for a second one thinking there was just one. They put their picture on the news or crime stoppers and someone would call in. Cops go to their house and arrest them and find a bunch of cameras. My brother even knew one guy and went to his house and got his camera back. He never knew how he found out how he knew.

[@pensnut08]

For us old guys... Take a lightweight climbing stick with an extender step (strap) on the bottom. A dual step kind (not like a Lone Wolf type) will make it MUCH easier. With the lineman's belt you can lean back a bit and relax. And take some dead sticks up to angle the camera down like he said. Oh, a card reader to check you aim LOL

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Trail cam thieves need to go to jail. I am all for setting up a sting operation.

[@ninjagodzilla6402]

Hell yea me to

[@whiteline99]

Spypoint has you covered gps tracking if not moved by you

[@TurinTuramber]

Like a claymore? 🤔 I like it.

[@OregonDARRYL]

Yes, with real wasps.

[@justanotherstoner4791]

Now what bout if u found someone elses on ur privite property

[@meMiner]

I have quite the obvious spot on my property by an apple tree, where 2 deer trails cross and there are rubs and a scrape. Also, it is right beside an old log cabin. I put one camera on the best tree and then a second well-hidden camera watching the first camera. Really good setup for both man and critter. I see lots of deer, raccoons and turkey. Yesterday, I got a video of a moose and "there are no moose here".

[@icebergo6]

Oh yeah, i also use a metal band pipe clamp, the kind you use screw driver to tighten, to add extra security to prevent theft. Far from un-stealabe but extra work nonetheless and a deterrant.

[@Francois_Dupont]

yeah, a knife on a stick and they could cut the strap and get the camera.

[@LittleSpiderWeb]

Your videos are excellent. Thank You! Excellent content expressed in an easy going, easy to follow dialogue with us, the viewers.

[@billgo4th]

My recommendation would not to hang anything around your neck. Better to just hang it the camera with a clip around the waist. Also could built a birdhouse around the camera to disguise it. Just make sure the bird house hole is away from the camera hole.

[@rexsingline4046]

A good communicator. Informative and well presented. Cheers mate.

[@THESPORTINGCAMP]

I place the cameras high up on trees as shown in the video, use a python cable lock and only use cameras that prevent access to the SD cards, unless the cable lock is removed. This method has worked for years. Great video. Thank you for sharing. 🐗🐗🐗

[@tomb1598]

You are an exceptional speaker. Thank you for the informative video. Cheers from the wilds of western Canada.

[@averagejackarchery]

Thanks for watching!

[@JamesRobertSmith]

I've seen trailcams up in trees like that in the Pisgah National Forest here in NC. Maybe the folk who put them up there used your method.

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

Bf

[@icebergo6]

So smart. Light, safe, effective. I USED TO (now im gonna use your method now) screw in foot pegs to climb up a bit and take them out as i came down. Worked like a charm but they were waaay heavier than a rope.

[@2Ryled]

Arent foot pegs damaging to a tree. All those holes for bugs to go into

[@gramps5157]

An extra measure also is to not have the trail camera strap flapping in the wind that could catch someone's eye. Loop it up and tuck it up.

[@TheAllankuz]

I do the same thing, but just carry the bottom part of my climber with me. Can get some great shots with that high angle!

[@possessed45]

Been seeing some weird things in the woods and got my first trail camera, definitely don't need it stolen. Good tips

[@riverbankfisher]

Good idea to set trail cameras up high, but I went ahead and bought a collapsible aluminum ladder that only weighs about 20 pounds. Can't use it down in the swamp because water gets in the ladder, but for upland use, that ladder is a real time saver.

[@averagejackarchery]

Good idea!

[@bowhntr83]

I just use one of my lone wolf climbing sticks and then I use a python cable lock. I’ve had good luck with the hme camera mounts.

[@AlbeeSoaring]

The home made Aider was very clever. I was going to be using screw in steps but that looked so much easier and also better on the tree.

[@EronIler]

Good idea. Add a 6” piece of pipe in the foot loop to make it easier to get on and off.

[@SailorAllan]

my issue with this is leaving the tail end of the strap hanging down--first, it "flutters" and will help someone notice the camera, but mostly somebody can grab the end and try to haul themselves up to get at the cam....

[@lonetraveller]

@SailorAllan Exactly! I always tie up the strap...a strap blowing or moving in the breeze attracts attention.

[@LloydJarvis]

Lol he was doing a demonstration. Why tie it up. There's no common sense any more. Lol

[@Thelonelyscavenger]

My trailcam was recently stolen. I'm going to try this. Thanks✌🍻🙏

[@RockyMtnGobblers]

I use the Rivers Edge stick$20.00 put my cameras 11ft up there's also a spy High camera mounting system very cool Mount your camera 16 feet high if you want while you're standing on the ground, not sure about initial setup. $ 199.00

[@almart750]

Now I’d like to see a how to video on how to do all those dang knots cause I’m a noob with rope!!

[@almart750]

Please!

[@chillios2222]

you probably would since you are just doing the demo but make sure you hide the tail of the securing piece which is hanging because that can be seen from a distance= im talking about the little strap on the camera, make sure you do not leave it hanging unless you want it to be there

[@pensnut08]

I've had geniuses not see cameras only 8' high... Cameras aimed at a mock scrape with a licking branch tied over it. Instead of using the strap I snake a bit of bungee cord through the strap slot and form loops on each end. Then I attach it to the tree with a bigger bungee. That allows a snug fit against the sticks that angle the camera down. I also do some other camo techniques to my cameras, but you can figure that out :) I just carry a single climbing stick with a double aider at the bottom. You can get some good height! BONUS: If you cameras are not no glow, this will help (somewhat) to keep game and thrives from seeing them.

[@wonderingchild1]

Thanks for this vid. I have a neighbor that's cutting trees on/ at our property line. He loves his chainsaw. This morning I put up a waist level game camera, in a steel cage. Used a snake lock around very large tree. Praying he doesn't cut the tree to get it down. It's aimed on my property, where he's cut my trees:(

[@NPC-ro5io]

Tell him to get the hell off your property.

[@salliegallegos918]

That’s the same reason I need cameras! Timber thieves on private property!

[@ojosenelmonte]

Very good video, great explanation. But I personally don't like images with the camera pointing up and down.

[@maumeeriverwalleyerun1999]

Good tip especially for a lightweight option instead of a stick.

[@ronu6724]

I put two cameras on the same tree, same model of camera, the one 8 feet off the ground took half as many photos because of the angle. It work better to really camouflage your camera with tree bark, dead branches, grass. Same as brushing in your Turkey blind.

[@knuckledragger2412]

This definitely works. I only lost one this year which is good.

[@hamartime17]

Love your video. Your instruction is clear as crystal!

[@3006USMC]

I hide mine in old tree stumps and rock overhangs- I don’t do trees and straps anymore after all mine went missing.

[@Artie6937]

I had my camera in one of those metal box and padlocked.... but someone cut the tree down 😕

[@zzz7zzz9]

if a thief wants anything bad enough, they'll get it.

[@RhinoRider2006]

I have had 2 cameras taken. One they obviously cam back with a cordless angle grinder and cut the lick and cable. the other they cut the tree down. Bottom line is, if somebody wants your camera its gone. I have many cameras out, now I always have one that is very covert shooting the other. This way I get video of the thieves.

[@Diffidentone]

@@RhinoRider2006 Yep that's what I'm about to do now as well, put a cheapo camera shooting the good one getting the pictures of the wildlife. I've in the past even tacked a sign on the tree that the camera was stolen from saying there was a camera aimed at the stolen one and I've gotten their picture/video and to bring the camera back or the evidence will be turned over to the police. Has Only worked 50% of the time so far but now I'm going to actually put a camera watching the other to have the actual evidence.

[@SinisterAngel1]

@@RhinoRider2006 unreal...makes me wanna get one of those expensive cellular trail cameras instead (to get a picture of the thief straight to my phone app)

[@RhinoRider2006]

Thanks for watching, the problem with a cell camera. is that you only get pictures not video. also you will get your phone all blocked up with the false triggers from windy days. they still et stolen.

[@flushot6513]

Private land and having people with mutual respect for one another always helps

[@terry2346]

One question. Why can't they make these cameras less conspicuous or make a cover for them that makes them less conspicuous. With theft being such a problem I would think this would be an option that many people would like. And at 100 bucks a pop putting them up on public land seems a real crap shoot! Better concealment and certainly better straps, etc would be the way to go I would think?? Your thoughts on this?

[@zzz7zzz9]

the companies don't care about theft. if anything, they like it, as it means another sale. there's lots of things we can do to best conceal our cams and protect them. and one of the first should be don't locate them on main game routes. sure that's where you'll get the most/best pics, but also where the most human traffic will be also.

[@RhinoRider2006]

I use the steel box system on all my cameras, camo them, lock them and use 3 inch lag bolts , lock and cable.

[@enddockboyoutdoors748]

Using the on public land in MI basically is the same as having a bunch of disposable cameras. You only get one use out of them.

[@robclinejr4085]

I use 2 tree steps like the ones that screw in but the wrap around the tree and are very light but this is a good method

[@H1013]

Great video! Thanks for sharing this info. Very helpful!

[@H1013]

I send you a message on Instagram

[@The_SemperFiGuy]

Thanks Average Jack. I was laughing as I was watching your video. Somehow I can't picture my 5'6", 323 lbs Father in Law shimmying his way up a tree 8 to 10 feet to secure a Trail Cam. Just saying. In fact, given that the average American is obese nowadays, I think we need to explore a plan B. Thanks for all of your videos. You're videos are very helpful.

[@DaveKentLive]

The best prevention is not to have your cams spotted by anyone. Hanging your cams high won't stop a person from stealing your cam if they want too. Do a glue-gun Camo job and stake it into the ground then bury it under even more brush... most will never see it. In some states any sporting goods like trail cams/crab traps etc. left in public areas more than 2-hours are considered abandoned per DFG.

[@Mookiethedog]

Yo thanks for the dope video dude. I had to laugh when you said you’re 6ft4 and stretched your arm up to 8ft. I’m 5ft8 but your info is perfect! Happy New Year

[@tjsoutdoors4786]

Awesome video and great idea. I am also a pa hunter(just starting) and have no private property to hunt. I am looking into getting some trail cameras. Was wondering if you would share what kind of trail cams you use?

[@bobbygreen2291]

Tj's Outdoors they are all pretty good, but in any electronic you can get one with problems , if I were you I’d start out with the cheap ones until you get to where you can set one up in a manner that it does not get stolen ,, oh yeah never tell anyone where you put a five hundred dollar camera,, and do not try even once to set one less than nine ft from the ground, it will get stolen quickly.

[@brianmartin3084]

If you're simply looking to see what's in the woods for hunting purposes, get the cheapest one you can find. $30 walmart camera is adequate. Not a huge loss if stolen, plus it's cheap enough to get more than one.

[@tjsoutdoors4786]

Thanks a lot for the great tip. I'm looking to hunt hard core next year so I'm trying to get all of my ducks in row before then. I am also most likely going to be hunting public land and have the same fears of someone steeling my equipment.

[@usernamemykel]

Shoot the last duck first.

[@robegerton2497]

It’s a real shame that people can’t respect other people’s property especially if it’s another hunter which I don’t call them hunters because they are thieves where is the Sportsmanship !!

[@drpiv]

Rob Egerton thieves are trash. Low as liars.

[@jedidiah5131]

I agree, I don't really know if theres actually thieves going out of their way just to steal trail cameras(at least where I am you are spending time and gas money just to find maybe 1 camera 2 if you are lucky and stand the chance of getting caught)......I think its dishonest hunters 99.9 % of the time....

[@chucksmith5002]

I hunt Public also sometimes I will carry 3 or 4 camera`s most of the time I will have 2 watching the same spot . I`ve had met hunters coming from same area stop and ask did I have a stand and camera down the trail . I would tell them yes but I would also say I had 1 or 2 more camera`s that seen them also . like your video keep it up .

[@bigal25938]

Wish I was young enough to do that kind of stuff again.

[@jonathanstone150]

Ive seen cameras cut down (if it’s a strap or cord) with a broad head on the end of an arrow so 30ish inches above arms reach

[@richardwhite3856]

I had someone take my SD card, idk why it made me mad I would have them rather just take the whole camera.

[@jb1..]

Get a cellular camera that sends pics to phone, hang 10ft in tree well hidden with a cable lock. Then in plain open sight around knee high I hang a old camera that doesn't work (went under water for a week during flood) for a decoy. Trespassers will see the old camera right away and steal it, and will not usually look around for another. If they do it will be 10ft in tree with lock and cable, and I will already have pics or video of them, sent to my phone, and will probably have time to ride out there or have someone else ride out there by the time and trouble it will take for them to get it off!

[@sierraridgereaper]

Best way is to get away from roads and hunt where no one else does...😉 My problem is I lost 8 of them this year to the fire thief... 😔

[@andyjame28]

Very useful and efficient

[@gyanrosling2226]

I'm thinking of buying a game camera and attaching it to one of my trees out front to get the license plate numbers of all the cars that drive up and down my street. What quality game camera should I get to be able to read the plate numbers? Good video by the way!

[@averagejackarchery]

I would definitely check all federal, state, and local laws before trying such a thing to be safe! But also you'd need something with an insanely fast trigger speed to catch cars going even 25mph. Not sure if a game camera is the ticket.

[@garyknepper4546]

I like this idea and have experimented with it. Not easy. How do you get it tilted down enough to video the ground.

[@averagejackarchery]

A lot of patience and a really big stick wedge!

[@bradbo3]

So far it's only black bears that mess with our cams. See them coming and then nothing but teeth and camera is broken and on the ground

[@dm3917]

Put some cayenne pepper powder in a spray bottle and apply on the tree around your camera. done

[@radamrussell]

Any update on whether you've had any other losses? I was considering using height and a cable lock. What's your opine on that?

[@averagejackarchery]

Height gets them out of sight and cable lock is just another deterrent if they are spotted. It's probably the best combo for public land spots especially.

[@leonc9011]

Do not forget that a 15-17ft telescopic ladder is very easy to bring and here is your camera is mine lol

[@timgrov3]

Perfect video to show how to steal trail cams. Thanks lol jking. Great video

[@sierraridgereaper]

Thats something to think about because the dam thieves get most of their ideas and info from the internet...

[@terrygipe7981]

Love the idea. thanks for the info. What part of Pa. are you from ? I live near Pittsburgh.

[@averagejackarchery]

I'm in central PA. Go Pens!

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

Thanks great idea I will try it 👍

[@eileenhudson9140]

My first camera great idea.

[@17hmr243]

Tape knife to stick wacks belt free cam. Try sewing a steel fishing line leader to it.?

[@rbyum6254]

Thinking of buying my first game camera, what brand and model would you suggest?

[@averagejackarchery]

I've always been partial to Moultrie. Have had great success with their cameras but there are sooooo many options on the market today I couldn't give you a more "up to date" recommendation.

[@rbyum6254]

Thanks

[@HoustonR6ryda]

thanks -very helpful

[@HuckFTW]

2:36 - is that a deer blowing at you in the background?

[@markfcoble]

Thanks!

[@walterdutra4490]

You can't escape the fact that the camera should be mounted at the height of the animal. A camera mounted way high like this and angled way down will detect significantly less than a camera mounted lower facing straight out. The camera mounted lower will also get much better photos.

[@genedandy]

Nice video and Go Penn State ✊

[@virtuafighter3]

Doesn't the camera have to be at an angle downwards (e..g a bit 45 degree or 30 degree so as to capture the ground a bit ? Or is the lens able to capture foreground. I would have thought you just cut the ground off and get other tree trunks - remember I know nothing about these cameras :>)

[@Saltwaterassassin]

Yes, I just use a stick to angle it down

[@hammonds82]

What about a 4 foot ladder leaning it up against tree wouldn't take no time

[@averagejackarchery]

Good suggestion!

[@Francois_Dupont]

sometimes when i go hiking on public land i have to go to the "bathroom". it happened to me one time i was finishing my business and i look in front of me they were a trail camera right there looking right at me not 15ft away! sorry to the guy, but i took the memory card with me. i am not a thief so i didnt take the whole camera i wish i didnt have to, but i didnt want some random guy having a picture of my ass. so note to people who put those up. keep far away from the trail.

[@TheReaL35]

well done friend

[@mynextketchfrontier6351]

Love it bro..great way to keep them safe ..sucks when people still what don't belongs to them you know...thnx

[@ukjw2]

I always struggle to get them aimed right

[@traviswilliams5498]

A pair of gaffs is what you need much faster and safer

[@jedidiah5131]

are you talking about climbing spurs, you can't use anything in that area that will damage the tress...

[@shooter2843]

I set mine inside of a 330 Conibear.

[@jimyoder6084]

Do you have to aim the camera down to the trail or scrape

[@averagejackarchery]

Yes.

[@BT3701]

That hanging strap blowing with the breeze makes your camera easier to spot - just saying

[@skyking4501]

Good video..

[@southstar8025]

Great idea

[@averagejackarchery]

Southstar 80 Thanks!

[@chevychapmean6221]

You just taught them how to get up that high😂, jk I hate trail cam theives

[@bobdaniels592]

Why not just use a lock box.. I hang mine as high as I can then put them in lock boxes.

[@joseortiz5965]

Awesome

[@IMBrute-ir7gz]

Can the deer trigger the camera from way up there?

[@averagejackarchery]

Oh yeah. I've had them work to their full advertised ranges using this method.

[@nyoutdoorsguy9679]

@@averagejackarchery even up close like near the its on?

[@21April853BC]

I’m about to put my $100 game camera in my crawl space of my home. I know there’s something down there. I’m not worried about a human taking mine. It will be anchored to something like the inside of the entry door. I don’t want it to be taken into the far reaches my crawl space. I could also attach a small metal cable to the camera. Anyone with advice please share it with me.

[@johnkbear3901]

Not to be an ass. But all someone has to do is lash their knife to a branch and cut the strap. Or come back with a machete or an ax. I think the metal lock box is still best. Not perfect, but best option so far. But I do like the climbing technique.

[@pastelskies8466]

Camera placement is everything. Some cameras should be HIDDEN. Real looking moss conceals cams.

[@nmsidewinder]

Too bad bear traps are illegal. You go out to check your trail camera and find the guy that messed with your camera still at the base of the tree caught in the trap. (of course I am joking) or am I. 😆 🤣 😂

[@tinosmo1]

Put trail cams in sunny areas or near bees. People like to steal stuff that’s easy to take

[@sonyamorrell8311]

Can you direct the lens at a lower angle. Animals are on the ground

[@averagejackarchery]

Like I say at the ending of the video, you will have to wedge the camera at a downward angle to get shots of what's on the ground.

[@jacobkeller29]

Well done tutorial

[@Vanzgardian1]

Step one: buy a lock box. step two: buy a python cable.

[@Saltwaterassassin]

Bingo

[@honeydaler]

Here's a little trick I came up with that might help from getting your equip stolen. I create a jpeg in Photoshop and it's just a simple messege on it like the following "BEWARE! I check my cams every 2 to 3 days BEWARE! IF YOU HAVE STOLEN THIS CAMERA! I have several cameras watching this camera as well as the road/trail in and out of here. I have taken the time to camo some really well and I can assure you that I have hi quality video and images of YOU and any vehicle you may have used STEALING MY PROPERTY! I suggest that you return my camera to its original spot or I will go directly to local POLICE with what I have, as well as posting all images and videos of YOU to local websites/FB groups ect... SO RETURN MY PROPERTY NOW ASSHOLE!!!" then I name my newly created jpeg "YOU STOLE THIS CAMERA" and I put it on all my SD cards in all my cameras. So if a thief checks the card he will likly read it and it might convince them to just put it back. It's not a garantee but at least its worth a shot..

[@Matt-pd2cq]

Calling the person an asshole is counter-productive. Then you turn it into a "k, try then, bitch" scenario and you definitely aren't getting that camera back.

[@mattsasso505]

holy smokes man. just bring a single climbing stick in

[@averagejackarchery]

That would also work!

[@ghostshotxx6005]

Had one stole the other day and one last year

[@SiljaFoto]

but if the camera is soo high how it take pictures of animals..like deer ,boar..theyou need high please too where deers are.

[@JustMe-yy7uc]

I don't need anything to climb up there. But,yes not everyone can.