Best Trail Camera For $200.00?

KentuckyTJ · July 20, 2009, 01:48:00 PM

Gregg, the coverts are $160 - $190 depending on where you get them. I would never buy a used one but check the auction sites for new less expensive ones.

kbetts · July 20, 2009, 03:09:00 PM

I have used more than one of those mentioned and have to say that the Moultrie is a huge bang for the buck. I just put a new IR model (different manufacturer) and I swear the flash (or lack of) bothers deer as much if not more than a standard. I have a sequence of pics from a big eight casing the perimeter of the IR model. I cannot hear it, so sound must not be an issue. It has taken over a week for him to "warm up" to having his pic taken.

leatherneck · July 20, 2009, 03:12:00 PM

I swear by the IR as well. Especially during the season.

George D. Stout · July 20, 2009, 03:33:00 PM

Well, you can wait for a $1000.00 one I suppose, if you plan on sending your photos to National Geographic, or you can buy a Moultrie or two for about $90.00 and enjoy a trail cam that works fine and takes photos. I can't understand why someone would stress over this. All they do is take photos. Buy a couple cheap ones and reduce your stress quotient.

Ray Hammond · July 20, 2009, 03:33:00 PM

Scoutguard/Covert you can buy them for 200.

See 2009 Trail Cam pics for some examples of actual photos taken by the camera.

The trigger speed is respectable, battery life is UNBELIEVABLE ( I put mine out in March and they take around 450 pics a week, and the batteries are still at 2/3rds charge)

leatherneck · July 20, 2009, 03:42:00 PM

Thats awesome battery life Ray. Any issues with the case leaking? Had one and the case leaked on me. Could have just been a bad one. I did like the pics it took and as you said, the trigger was respectable. Never had it long enough to see the battery life.

Biggie Hoffman · July 20, 2009, 03:45:00 PM

I have one cuddeback that has to be sent back once a year for "reprogramming"

I have a Reconyx that's great but costs $600.

I have FOUR Covert I's and just ordered two more.

Steve O · July 20, 2009, 05:17:00 PM

I agree with Ray and Biggie. I don't think there is more bang for your buck than the ScoutGard/Covert. I don't think the trigger speed is bad; I have a shot of a doe in full run from mine somewhere. I hardly ever get empty shots with them.

George D. Stout · July 20, 2009, 05:55:00 PM

Biggie, have you ever mooned another bowhunter's trail camera? I'm thinking you or the Wensels may have done at least once.

Biggie Hoffman · July 20, 2009, 06:42:00 PM

Nah....I would NEVER do anythinig like that :-)

George D. Stout · July 20, 2009, 07:25:00 PM

Yep...that's what I figured 8^).

mike hall · July 20, 2009, 09:58:00 PM

walmart.com has moultrie I40's for $162 plus tax and a buck for shipping. I'll let you know how she works in a few weeks.

Don Stokes · July 21, 2009, 09:19:00 AM

Another vote for the HCO ScoutGuard. I've tried several different models, had one stolen, and the best feature if you're worried about thieves is the shape and size of the ScoutGuard. It's very hard for a human to see compared to the boxy designs. The human eye picks up a rectangular shape easily, but the ScoutGuard's shape camouflages it perfectly. It's small enough that I can put it in my jeans pocket to take it to the field. Trigger time is excellent for a digital.

Here's a daytime and a nighttime picture, 3 megapixels. It can be set for 5 also.

joebuck · July 21, 2009, 09:41:00 AM

I'm with the Ga boys and Stabbin Stokes... DLC ColvertII ( Scoutgaurd family) gets my vote also....189 bucks at Elders.com with coupon....i like the Colvert customer service also..you call the 1-800 number and the owner answers

Izzy · July 21, 2009, 01:18:00 PM

George, dont believe Biggie! You oughta see what he left on that SD card in the camera he sold me!!!

Izzy · July 21, 2009, 01:20:00 PM

Thanks for the info gentlemen, Ill be picking one up after I return from Dento.A Scoutguard.

Thank You, Izzy

Biggie Hoffman · July 21, 2009, 02:06:00 PM

Dang Izzy, I was wondering where those pictures got to...........

Chris O · July 21, 2009, 02:45:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Covert/Scoutguards for me as well. Battery life is unreal. I get 400-500 photos every two to three days when they are set to 1 minute pause and the batteries will last two to three months.

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holy smokes! my stealthcam eats up 6 C's in about 500 pics. could be because it uses a flash though. I still might be getting a new cam now, lol

Don Stokes · July 21, 2009, 04:47:00 PM

The 8 AA batteries last so long in my ScoutGuard that I have to make a note on my calendar so I know when it's about time to change them. I like to do it before they go down, so I don't miss anything. I change them at 6 weeks-2 months, whether they need it or not!

George D. Stout · July 21, 2009, 06:09:00 PM

Biggie, Izzy PM'd me....said something about You Tube 8^).