Trail cam detection & mounting height

[nyslowhand]

Got curious when there was a recent discussion about mounting trail cams at heights above the typical 3-5' for security purposes.

As you can see from the attachment, some cams have a rather narrow &/or short detection range or angle.

I knew my Cuddeback had a narrow detection zone.

So if I mounted it 8-10' high & angled downward I'd be getting photos of "things" that moved into a sort of focused spotlight area.

Sure that cam has a fast trigger, but if it weren't I might be missing some passing deer.

When mounted 3-5' high, anything that triggered the horizontal detection in a broader, more lengthy zone would be photographed.

So...If your cam is listed with a narrow, short detection area or zone, mounting it higher may be counterproductive.

If you think about this in terms of a flashlight's beam, is your cam listed as narrow & focused or a wider beam?

Will you get more photos when cam is viewing in a more horizontal or a higher & mostly downward position?

Depending on your trail cam's specs, the security of higher mounted cams may be a trade-off for less photos.

I'm assuming these detection zones are more angular & 2-D (LxW), since nothing was stated about the height of a zone.

Food for thought, comments, experiences....?

http://www.trailcampro.com/detectionzonetest.aspx

[fasteddie]

On my trail cams that have lock boxes , etc I wll mount them lower and yes I will get more pictures . The cameras I use that aren't lockable , Iwill put up high . I could have deer , etc directly under the camera that wouldn't be detected but I would rather come back to a camera than a bare tree .

If I don't get any intruders stinking up the trail I will get enough pics to make me happy .

[wheelieman]

i just mount mine 3ft or so and if i have to put them higher i wedge a stick behind the top to angle the cam down, no locks,cables anything like that if they want your stuff they will just take it. or at least that my experiance, Then you have to replace the cam, and what ever locking system you use,

[fasteddie]

I have been lucky so far and have not had a Trail Cam stolen ...........yet . So , I will continue to do what I do . It has worked ....so far .