This is an exciting day!  Not only because I received my new ScoutGuard SG550, but because my CAMLOCKbox Security Lock Box arrived!  I'm so impressed by the quality and design of my CAMLOCKbox, that I am compelled to write about it before I even set up my SG550 that it is designed to house.

What struck me the most was the solid construction and precision design of the enclosure.  My SG550 perfectly fit inside this all steel lockbox, just like a nut fits on a bolt.  The CAMLOCKbox is finished with a powdercoating and camo pattern.  The design of the outer cover allowed it to join seamlessly with the main housing.  Once my camera was enclosed in the housing, only the PIR, lense, and infared emitters were exposed through the cutout.  This security box can be locked via a padlock on the front, or by passing a cable lock through the center of the box.  Either method locks the case tight, and your camera is protected inside.

The cutout on the bottom is perfectly aligned with the external power jack of my ScoutGuard.  Cutouts in the rear of the housing allow the game camera's strap, or a bungee to be used to position the camera on a tree.  I like the fact that this still allows you to fine tune the positioning of your camera after hanging.  The screw holes in the rear of the box give you the ability to secure your camera to a flat surface, like a fence post or barn; or screws can be shot into a tree for added security.

CAMLOCKbox puts out a quality product at a very affordable price.   You can feel confident that your game camera will be secure, and the 30 day money back warranty will leave you feeling secure with your purchase from CAMLOCKbox too.

Ever tried to hang your game camera on a hot trail, but you couldn't find a good tree anywhere close?
Want to set your trail camera in a corn field or grassy area, where no trees exist?

What you need is a game camera ground mount!

These versatile camera mounts allow you to hang your camera in that perfect spot.  They often give you the ability to fine tune your camera's position and angle.

The Yukon Tracks Perfect Aim Universal Camera Mount allows you to scout anywhere, no need for a tree!  This camera mount has a sturdy steel mount rod that can be driven into the ground.  You have the ability to adjust the height of your camera.  It allows you to turn your camera 360 degrees and tilt 80 degrees on its swivel mechanism.  The universal camera plate fits most brands of trail cameras.  Mounting is easy and requires no tools.

Pine Ridge Archery offers the AT-5 Universal Trail Camera Mount.  This universal mount can be attached to any fence post, tree, or metal pole.  All you need to do is sink a metal fece post in the ground, and you can mount your game camera anywhere you please.  This is a perfect option for setting your game camera to cover that trail that crosses a downed fence into a field.

These versatile game camera mounts are a great option for getting the most out of your game camera.  The only concern I have about their use is the ability to secure your game camera.  When you hang your game cam on a tree, you can typically cable-lock your trail camera to that tree to prevent theft.  With a post mount, you could be more susceptible to theft.  Use caution, and always make an effort to secure your scouting cameras.

I was recently asked "When is the best time of the year to buy a game camera to get the best price?"

The answer my friend, is Post Season!

We have been trending the sales of game cameras, and have seen prices tailing off this time of year, which means better deals are there for the taking. The price reductions are due to less demand this time of year, and the desire for retail outlets to move out seasonal merchandise to free shelf space for new products.

The trend downward in prices will slow though, only to be replaced by rising prices in secondary auction markets. This occurs once the inventory levels meet the existing demands, only to see increased demand over the summer months as hunters plan for the approaching season.

We look forward to the new game camera models to be hitting the market, with new features and new high end pricing. The new products will typically be priced at retail with little savings to be had, until the newness wears off. The introduction of new game camera models will also help present model pricing to trend lower. Like a car dealer dropping prices on the 2009 model trucks to make way for the 2010s.

It is best to be a smart shopper this time of year, and deals will be found. If you have been considering purchasing a specific model of camera, take a look at the next models up. You might just find better quality cameras now priced in your price range!

Hunters are not the only ones using game cameras to better their odds for the hunt.  A Texas Fish and Wildlife officer used a game camera to assist in documenting hunting violations.

A Game Warden from Texas, Officer Vance Wallace, received the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Officer of the Year award for his work in the field.  A local ranch manager in Kendall County Texas reported a possible case of hunting without landowner consent during the 2007 - 2008 season.  Officer Wallace worked with the landowner to perform his surveillance work.  He discovered numerous individuals that were hunting on the property without landowner permission.  An individual hired to do work on the ranch was inviting people on the land to hunt, without the knowledge of the owner.

Officer Wallace had purchased a concealable game camera at his own expense during the investigation.  His efforts resulted in 5 felony Hunt Without Landowner Consent charges, 38 Class A misdemeanor Hunt Without Landowner Consent charges, 3 Class C misdemeanor Fishing Violations, 1 Class C misdemeanor Deer Tagging Violation, and 3 warnings for license harvest log violations.

This serves as a good reminder to "Always seek the permission of the landowner before you hunt, fish, or access their property."

I saw this post recently in a hunting forum, and was prompted to comment:

Trail Camera's ..Do They Take the "Hunt" out of Hunting?

The author stated "since the trail cam explosion has happened it seems to me that we might be loosing perspective on what hunting is really supposed to be".

I understand this perspective coming from the point of view of a traditional hunter.  Their view of hunting is exactly as it was years ago, recalling the process of scouting, looking for sign, etc.  They feel that trail cameras give the hunter yet another edge up on the deer population.

While I understand the author's position, I differ, and am for the full use of game cameras.  The use of a trail camera can definitely make your hunts more productive.  It doesn't make them guaranteed though.  You still have the beat the dere's senses, and you still have to make the shot.  Many hunters weighed in on the topic, and not one hunter had a negative comment about the use of digital trail cameras.

Digital game cameras for me, are more of a timesaver than anything.  Years ago, before each season started, me and my hunting buddys would leave or bows home, grab our stands, and head to the woods.  Naturally, we would search for sign of deer activity, and determine several potential places to set up.  We would sit in our stands before sunup, and watch the deer movement as the sun came up.  We would sample different areas, and fine tune our locations.  From that effort, we would determine where our stand locations would be.  We would go through this same exercise a couple of times per week.
Now, digital trail cameras can do some of that work for us.  It gives us time back that we can devote to other activities.

Trail cameras are just another tool in a hunters arsenal, that can result in more successful hunts.  It is one of many tools that technology has brought into the woods, but there are many more to come.

As another added benefit, using digital game cameras can be a fun hobby in itself.  It allows me to extend my season, by getting into the woods before the season starts to find the locations I want to sample.  Return visits to the woods to switch memory cards, allows more opportunity to look for sign and other potential stand locations.  The best part comes when you sit down in front of your computer to view your pictures.  It it's almost like opening a present.  You don't know what's inside.  Maybe it's a monster buck.