When using a trail camera for deer is a natural trail or crossing less invasive then using a bait of some sort to attract and hold a deers attention for a quick picture? Is one technique better then the other or do you folks have some good tips you can pass along to a newbie with a trail cam. Thanks in advance, Paul

I do not have a trail camera but have been doing some research on them.  What kind did you end up with?

I would think that "baiting" or using some other attractant would be beneficial in getting good photos.  Some states outlaw baiting for hunting, so watch out for that even outside hunting seasons since it may be a violation where you live.

Maybe some doe urine, fox urine...or even your own, may cause a pause long enough for pics.  I am not an expert, so others may chime in with different opinions.

I know one technique is to place the camera pointing slightly down (or up) the trail and NOT directly across a trail so you can obtain the best shots.

I haven't tried bait, but I'm sure it would help get good pictures.  My best setup by far has been on a small puddle that collects rainwater and is used heavily by the deer.  
Like Blackhawk suggested, when setting up on a trail try to position it so that it is pointing up the trail rather than straight across it.

Blackhawk,thanks for the reply. I bought a Bushnell trail sentry, I've heard some negitives about this camera but the price was right. I just set it up today and hoping for the best.I did set it up looking down a nice trail...will see!Paul

I put cameras at all my feeders and get great pictures.

Bait your allowed in Jersey. Trail cam setup dump some corn out there.During the season it's your choice.If you want trail cam pics; corn. If your trail cam has a timer on the pics,watch what time the bucks come in.Does,button bucks,doe fawns very rarely a decent buck comes into the corn.If they do you'll see on the timer they come in the middle of the night.Usually midnight to around  4:00 AM.

Trace mineral salt works well along a natural trail....buy it in a 50 pound bag and pour it on a rotten log....the deer, bear, & elk will tear it to shreds going after it!....it's a natural mineral and does not constitute baiting in many cases....check your regs to be sure....i've just dumped a bags on the ground and let the rain take it into the soil....those critters will actually dig holes trying to get to the salt...

baiting does stop them to get a pic of them, but there is still those that run when the camera go's off

the 2 big BOYZ


Their bizy eating to pose for the camera

I hunted in New Jersey for the past two falls with great luck over bait. Last year I shoot a 140 inch 10 pointer in Northern Jersey. I'm going to try to make it again this year. I would start baiting now and hunt the opener. The first week is always the best just personal experience. Good luck and shoot strait. I will post a picture on here of the deer I shoot last year.

My buddy Marty is a big advocate of bait. He's very good at it too, maybe the best.


 

must work...he stopped long enough for the camera to get a picture of him...

Thanks for all the responses guys! Keep them coming.Biggie, where did you find that baitpile?Texas?Buckvalley, I must think Iowa has plenty more big bucks than NJ. What brings you here to Jersey? I guess the 140 incher would do it! The exception rather then the rule here.Mysticguido, is that a coon in the foreground?Kirkill, where does one find trace-mineral? Thanks again guys for your time!Paul

Heck that's Marty's cornpile...He runs 14 feeders year round for hogs, they go off twice a day.

I want to hunt at martys    

All gave good advice. I use corn and salt and molasas. Just like a big candy dish for them...

Marty appears to have reached the highest level of baiting.  He has gone beyond the novice and intermediate level.  He must be a master......

Yeh, I know, too easy.

In NY there is no baiting deer at any time due to the threat of CWD. Here it against the law, period! I am sure it would help in getting good pics. Shawn

Hey MysticGuido those are two Jersey Bucks!!?? LOL!Look at the time on the picture if thats correct it looks like 1:44.Buckvalley you shot a 140 class buck in Jersey over bait? That is amazing!All the bucks get smart quick when bait is involved.At least that was my experience. Hey when are  you coming out to Sopranoland  again? Make sure you bring some of your bows . We should get together. Jersey Trad Gangers would like to shoot some of your Lostcreek bows.Paul where in Jersey do you live?

ttt