I imagine most people reading this blog use trail cameras if they hunt whitetail deer. A lot has changed in recent years. The big, bulky cameras have been replaced by smaller, more sophisticated models that are user friendly.
I have trail cameras scattered across my hunting grounds all season long. I use them as a scouting tool to learn the patterns of the deer in the area I am hunting throughout the summer and the season. There is nothing like putting leather to the ground and doing some old-fashioned scouting, but cameras allow the hunter to leave the area undisturbed while still being able to pattern deer. The key is to go in and check the camera once a week so the deer do not feel pressured.
Even though cameras are great for scouting, I get more enjoyment out of their use during the spring of year over any other time.
Bucks are beginning to grow their antlers back, does will be having fawns soon, and the deer are often in family groups.
It is fun to watch the progression of a buck’s antler growth from spring, and on throughout the summer. I will have to admit that I get a little excited when I see the first signs of antler growth on a trail camera photo.
I am still a softy at heart, and I love catching photos of young fawns. An added feature on most cameras is a video mode. This is a great time of year to use that mode to catch some neat videos of young fawns interacting with their mother.
If you have not invested in a trail camera yet, or you do not have yours out let because you think it is too early, think again. You will more than likely get some really neat photos, and it in never too early to start learning the routines of the deer that call your hunting property home.
