Trailcam Placement Question

[315hunter]

Hello everyone I am new to forum and trailcams.  I just got my first one a few days ago and placed it in front of a fresh ground scrape.  First night nothing, then added some of the gravedigger stuff hoping to get some bucks on camera.  Following 2 nights have gotten 2 different bucks but neither have touched the scrape. 

Recently read elsewhere that it is suggested to put trailcamera at a higher elevation as the flash is less likely to spook the dear, was wondering what your opinions were,  Im just concerned it is too close to scrape or too low, but it looks like a lot of pictures i see here have similar camera placement to mine.  I have attached the pics so any opinions at all on this subject would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you.

[adk3006]

I'm no expert by any means but I will try to help.  From looking at the two pictures you posted, those bucks know the camera is because they are both looking right at it.  Even though your camera uses a flash, when the flash goes off the picture is already captured so this should not be the reason for the deer looking at the camera.  I know on some of my camera's if something triggers the sensor there is a red light that will blink, I have no idea why the manufacturers would put such a thing on a trail cam but they do.  Anyhow, all I do is take a piece of electrical tape and cover the red light so nothing can see it blink, it will not effect the performance of your camera.  Lastly one of the most important things to consider when setting the camera up is scent control.  Be careful to wear as scent free clothing and footwear as possible and also use latex gloves when handling the camera.........this will help!

[burmjohn]

I suggest you leave it alone for a week or two.  Every time you go to that area to change the card your leaving your scent and disturbing the area.

[cbx46]

I agree with leaving it I always have more pics as time goes on when I leave it out.  I also had a buck infront of my cam during a hunt this season the flash went off I almost jumped out of my stand but it had no effect on his behavior.

[Gthphtm]

Flash does not bother them at all,I have had them licking the camera and some with there eyes right in the camera lens.

[Cabin Fever]

My cams have the IR flash and I don't think it bothers the deer at all.

At least for the area that I'm in, scrapes have not been touched in a week now. Scrapes were hot, then in the past week, no scrape action at all. VERY odd for this time of year.