Camera Gear and Techniques for Documenting Your Big Game Hunts

Capture the Story of Your Hunt With the Right Gear and Techniques

Documenting a big game hunt is about more than trophy photos. It’s about preserving the full story—pre-dawn hikes, glassing sessions, camp life, pack-outs, and the emotional highs and lows of the pursuit. With today’s lightweight, rugged cameras and practical field techniques, hunters can record professional-quality images and video without sacrificing the focus needed to hunt effectively.

This guide explains the most useful camera gear for big game hunting and how to use it in real-world conditions. If you're gearing up for your next adventure and want to find a trusted outfitter, browse options on Find A Hunt.

Essential Camera Gear for Big Game Hunting

1. Mirrorless Cameras (Lightweight, High Quality)

Mirrorless systems strike the best balance for backcountry hunters:

• Light and compact for long hikes

• Fast autofocus for wildlife

• Excellent low-light performance

• Interchangeable lenses

Great for documenting elk, mule deer, and sheep hunts across rugged terrain.

2. Action Cameras (Hands-Free Capture)

Small, waterproof, and perfect for:

• Draw sequences

• Stalks

• River crossings

• Pack-outs

• ATV or horseback travel

Chest mounts and head mounts allow filming while keeping hands on your bow or rifle.

3. Smartphones (Convenience + Versatility)

Modern phones offer:

• High-resolution video

• Slow-motion capture

• Built-in stabilization

• Easy editing and sharing

• Backup photo storage

Ideal for quick camp shots and spontaneous moments.

4. Tripods and Stabilizers

A must for stable footage, especially when:

• Filming from glassing points

• Shooting time-lapses

• Recording interviews or storytelling moments

Lightweight carbon-fiber tripods with fluid heads are popular among backcountry hunters.

5. Lenses for Hunting Environments

Choose based on terrain and shooting style:

• 24–70mm: All-purpose storytelling lens

• 70–200mm: Wildlife, distant shots, action

• Wide angle (16–35mm): Camp scenes, landscapes

• Prime lenses: Low-light situations before dawn or after dusk

For hunters capturing their own stalks, a versatile zoom lens is usually the best choice.

6. Audio Equipment

High-quality audio transforms average footage into a compelling story.

• Compact shotgun microphones

• Wind muffs (“dead cats”)

• Wireless lav mics for interviews in camp

Clear sound makes your hunt film much more immersive.

7. Batteries, Power Banks & Storage

Cold weather and elevation drain batteries quickly. Pack:

• 3–6 camera batteries

• Solar chargers or power banks

• Extra SD cards (128–512 GB)

• Waterproof media storage

Field Techniques for Better Hunting Photos & Video

1. Capture the Entire Story—Not Just the Shot

Document:

• Pre-dawn hikes

• Morning glassing

• Camp life

• Gear prep

• Weather changes

• Terrain challenges

• Packing out meat

Your finished hunt film or photo set should feel like a complete narrative.

2. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Best times for high-quality images:

• Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm, soft light

• Cloudy days for even, shadow-free shots

• Backlighting for dramatic silhouettes on ridge tops

Avoid harsh midday light unless shooting shaded subjects.

3. Know When to Keep the Camera Quiet

During critical hunting moments:

• Turn off beeps and be cautious with shutters

• Use silent shutter modes

• Keep lenses and tripods packed when closing in on animals

Never compromise a stalk for a shot of footage.

4. Practice Stealthy Filming

When moving into bow range:

• Use stabilizers or chest mounts

• Keep cameras close to your body

• Only film when the animal’s head is down or obstructed

Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn notice movement instantly.

5. Film Multiple Angles

Great storytelling comes from variety:

• Wide establishing shot

• Medium shots of hunters

• Close-ups of hands, gear, expressions

• Over-the-shoulder POVs while glassing or calling

Mixing angles creates more dynamic footage.

6. Use Time-Lapses for Scenic Moments

Perfect for:

• Sunrise over camp

• Storms rolling across peaks

• Glassing sessions

• Breaking down an animal

Time-lapses add professionalism with minimal effort.

Trophy Photos: Techniques for Respectful, High-Quality Shots

Trophy photos should honor the animal and the hunt.

Positioning & Presentation

• Clean blood and debris

• Tuck the tongue

• Pull the animal into natural sitting positions

• Use terrain to elevate antlers or horns

• Avoid awkward angles or distracting backgrounds

Lighting

• Choose soft natural light

• Use reflectors or phones to fill shadows

• Avoid shooting directly into the sun unless backlighting intentionally

Composition Tips

• Frame the hunter and animal naturally

• Include landscape for context

• Shoot multiple angles: hero shot, side profile, close-up details

Filming the Pack-Out: A Signature Part of the Story

Some of the most powerful footage comes after the shot.

Capture:

• Loading quarters onto the pack

• Reflections about the hunt

• Rugged terrain and emotional moments

• Sunset or headlamp-lit hikes

• Celebrations back at camp

Pack-outs are physically demanding but visually unforgettable.

Editing Tips for Clean, Professional-Looking Content

After the hunt, use editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve, or mobile apps for quick turnaround.

Editing Priorities

• Maintain natural colors (avoid over-saturation)

• Use natural sound and subtle background music

• Keep the pacing tight (cut long, static clips)

• Focus on storytelling, not just action shots

• Add simple titles and transitions sparingly

Editing is where a good story becomes a great one.

Keeping Gear Safe in Harsh Conditions

Hunting environments are tough on electronics.

Protection Tips

• Use padded camera cubes inside hunting packs

• Keep gear in dry bags during storms

• Avoid breathing on lenses in cold weather (instant fogging)

• Store batteries inside layers to keep them warm

• Bring lens cloths and sensor cleaners for dusty conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What camera type is best for documenting hunts?

Mirrorless cameras provide the best balance of quality, size, and durability for backcountry hunts.

Do I need expensive lenses to capture good hunting footage?

No—one versatile zoom lens (24–70mm or 24–105mm) covers most situations.

How do I prevent fogging on cold mornings?

Keep gear in your pack to slowly acclimate and avoid breathing directly on glass.

Should I film every stalk?

Not necessarily—choose moments that won’t jeopardize the hunt.

Can I document a hunt solo?

Yes, especially with chest-mounted action cams and lightweight tripods.

If you’d like, I can tailor this guide to focus on elk hunts, backpack-style filming, outfitter documentation standards, or specific brands of camera gear.