Trail Cam

[rcook72]

Does anyone put their cameras out on public land? I want to and wouldn't think of doing it without a bike lock. Just wondering if anyone has had them stolen or messed with?

[buckhunter21]

I do every year for bear hunting and thankfully havent had a problem yet. I always use a chain and padlocks just to keep an honest person honest, but I guess if the wrong person found it all it would take is a hacksaw or bolt cutter and its gone. I know some people I talked to this year had stands stolen this year but thankfully they didnt find my camera or didnt want to mess with all the locks. I think most people will leave them alone but all it takes is that one [PoorWordUsage] to find it and your out a camera.

[mrklean]

from what i have been told it is illegal to leave them out, just like leaving stands on public land. I remember a story on here someone said they went out to check there trial cam, which was right next to where his stand was there was a note from the dnr that said if he wanted his stand and camera back call him, then he got fined before he got his stuff back.

[Bear55]

I leave cams out on public land all the time, however we are talking way up north and well off the beaten path. I also sometimes have them out on private land and I actually think the odds are better they get stolen off the private ground because there are more people in the area. What ever you do you run the risk of them being stolen, its a chance I'm willing to take to get a photo of a nice buck. It also why I prefer the cheaper digital models to the expensive cams, that way it doesn't hurt as much when one of my cams happens to grow legs and walk off.

[FishingWebGuy]

Mine is out on public land. It sure is exciting when I can go check it and find that it is still there

But like Bear says, they can be stolen from private land also. I have friends who have had their stand stolen off of private land so really no escaping the potential for theft. My camera has an angle iron frame that I made and 3/8 cable wrapped around it. That way at least someone would have to go back and get some tools in order to steal it instead of just walking by.

[Jim Uran]

I was thinking on having a couple angle iron boxes made. Thats a darn good idea. At least they would have to try to steal it anyways, instead of just unstrapping it from the tree.

Yes I put mine on public land, if someone gets it I'm out of luck I guess.

[rcook72]

Nice frame that is pretty cool. I think I am just going to have to roll the dice if I want to find out what sized if any bucks are around the area I am looking at.

[lakevet]

Found this in the Minnesota rules and regs regarding wildlife management areas:

97A.137,subdivsion 3

Subp.16 "Spikes or nails driven into trees are prohibited but screwing or clamping devices are allowed if removed each day at the end of shooting hours."

Subp.19 Abandonment of trash or property.

"the abandonment or storage of property within a wildlife

management area is prohibited."

"Boats, decoys,or other property may not be left unattended

overnight"

Subp.16 is regarding stands, but the wording uses "devices". Subp.19 Abandonment of trash or property is probably what would apply. Have seen more than one spot that was trashed or someone abandoned their good and sometimes expensive hunting equipment. Possibly couldn't find it or couldn't get back out to get it so they said forget it and left it. Didn't find ID to return it, so I left it. Stayed there for years as an eyesore. The rule has good thinking behind it, keeping the place cleaned up. Unfortunately I don't see how this wouldn't apply to trail cams. Don't know about other public land, but I would think similar rules apply. If so alot of people are in violation, probably unintentionally. Also raises the question, if property is left overnight, is it abandoned in the eyes of the law? If so who owns it/ can take it? How can a trail camera be stolen, if it is considered abandoned. I pull all my equipment every time I leave to stay legal and avoid having stuff stolen.

lakevet

[rcook72]

hhmmmmm.... I guess I am just going to put it up on one of the 3 private farms/ I can bow hunt. Less risk of losing it anyways. Just thought it would be cool to get some ideas of some other land and broaden my horizons. Thanks for the info.

[Code-Man]

if in doubt don't put the camera out....

[lakevet]

hhmmmmm.... Just thought it would be cool to get some ideas of some other land and broaden my horizons. Thanks for the info.

just have to do it the original way, walking through and checking for sign. Takes more skill and effort, but more satisfying when you put the pieces together.

Anyone else find regulations on leaving property such as trail cameras overnight on public property other than WMA's?

lakevet

[rcook72]

I have been doing it the original way for the last two months since I bought a new HD camcorder to tape my hunts. The trail cam was a groomsmans gift last week from my brother. It ads to my arsenal of toys for hunting and fishing. I am going to spend the day in the woods tomorrow. Will let you guys know if see anything. Regardless if I was hunting an area its still cool to see whats waling around out there when I am at work or at night. I'm a catch and release fisherman and would have just a good of time in the woods if I was video taping for someone. For me its about the experience, I dont have to shoot anything to have a good time in the woods.