Using Trail Cameras to Monitor Predator Activity

Why Trail Cameras Are Valuable for Predator Scouting

Predators leave sign, but they don’t always make their presence obvious. Trail cameras give you:

• Accurate timing of when predators move

• Proof of species, including transient animals

• Identification of preferred travel corridors

• Patterns tied to moon phases, weather, and food availability

• Better decisions for where to call, set traps, or hunt

Cameras allow you to build a picture of predator behavior that’s nearly impossible to gather by observation alone.

Best Locations to Place Trail Cameras for Predators

1. Travel Corridors

Predators stick to natural funnels such as:

• Fence lines

• Creek bottoms

• Cattle trails

• Field edges

• Logging roads

These linear paths help you gather consistent movement data.

2. Bait Sites (Where Legal)

Bait stations are highly effective for capturing nighttime activity.
Use:

• Road-kill carcasses (where regulations permit)

• Fish scraps

• Scent lures

Always follow local baiting laws to remain compliant.

3. Water Sources

In dry regions, predators regularly visit:

• Stock tanks

• Small ponds

• Seasonal creeks

• Springs

Water serves as a reliable pinch point for photos.

4. Natural Ambush Points

Cats and coyotes love structure. Place cameras near:

• Brush piles

• Rock outcrops

• Ditches and drainages

• Old homesteads or barns

These areas naturally concentrate predator movement.

5. Game Trails Leading to Prey-Rich Zones

Predators often shadow deer, rabbits, upland birds, and small-game habitat. Cameras near:

• Rabbit warrens

• Field edges

• Turkey roosting zones

• Thick cover holding rodents

can reveal predictable hunting cycles.

Camera Settings for Predator Monitoring

Photo vs. Video Mode

• Photos capture quick movement and save storage.

• Videos reveal behavior—circling, scent checking, stalking—but use more battery.

Many hunters run hybrid “photo + short video” setups for best results.

Trigger Speed

Predators move fast. Look for:

• 0.1–0.3 second trigger speeds

• High sensitivity to capture night movement

Faster triggers reduce empty-frame images.

Burst or Multi-Shot Mode

3–5 shot bursts help document fast-moving coyotes or bobcats in tight cover.

Night Settings

Predators are most active at night. Choose:

• No-glow or low-glow flash for stealth

• Higher ISO settings for clear nighttime images

• Wide detection angle for animals approaching from the side

Good nighttime performance is critical for predator cameras.

How to Interpret Predator Activity

1. Identify Travel Patterns

Look for repeated use of specific routes. Consistency means reliable calling or ambush locations.

2. Determine Peak Activity Windows

Predators typically move during:

• Last light

• Midnight to early morning

• Pre-dawn windows

Time-stamped images reveal the optimum times to hunt.

3. Watch for Territorial Behavior

Predators show patterns through:

• Scent marking

• Repeated passes

• Dominant individuals appearing regularly

This helps with call selection (howls vs. distress) when planning setups.

4. Track Pack or Family Group Movements

Coyotes often travel in small groups, while bobcats travel alone. Understanding group size helps tailor calling strategies and shot planning.

5. Note Prey Presence

Trail cameras often catch prey species too. If rabbits, deer, or turkeys are active in an area, predators will follow.

Tips for Getting Better Predator Camera Results

• Mount cameras lower than for deer—typically 12–24 inches off the ground.

• Brush the sides of the camera to reduce glare and movement false-triggers.

• Aim down trails, not across them, to catch more passing animals.

• Use scent control when handling cameras—predators notice human odor.

• Check cameras midday when predator movement is lowest.

Small changes can greatly improve photo quality and consistency.

Gear Recommendations for Predator Trail Cameras

Trail Cameras

Look for:

• No-glow infrared flash

• Fast trigger speed

• Strong nighttime clarity

• Weather-resistant design

Power Solutions

• Lithium batteries for longer life

• External battery packs

• Solar panels (especially in remote areas)

Storage & Data

• High-quality SD cards

• Cloud-linked cameras for real-time monitoring

• Lock boxes and cable locks for theft prevention

Using Trail Camera Data for Predator Hunts

For Calling Hunts

• Position stands where cameras show downwind circling

• Match calling sequences to the time of day predators appear

• Focus on travel corridors and fresh sign zones

For Trapping or Snaring

• Identify consistent routes and daily travel loops

• Fine-tune trap placement based on direction of movement

• Adjust lure and bait positions based on camera insights

For Livestock or Property Management

• Confirm species causing depredation

• Track predator return patterns

• Identify denning or bedding pockets

Trail cameras give landowners and hunters a reliable tool for informed decision-making.

Planning Your Predator Hunt Through Find A Hunt

Whether you're targeting coyotes, bobcats, foxes, or mixed-bag predator hunts, understanding movement patterns is key. When you book through Find A Hunt, you get:

• Access to vetted predator hunting outfitters

• Clear expectations about terrain, calling tactics, and shot distances

• Opportunities for day or night hunts across premier predator regions

• Easy comparison to choose the right hunt for your goals

Explore predator hunts and plan your next successful season with confidence.

Predator Trail Camera FAQs

How high should I mount a trail camera for predators?
12–24 inches off the ground captures eye-level images and reduces missed shots.

Are no-glow flashes necessary?
Highly recommended. Predators notice bright lights and may avoid low-quality infrared flashes.

How often should I check my cameras?
Every 1–3 weeks. Too much disturbance can alter natural predator patterns.

Can trail cameras help with calling setups?
Absolutely—camera data reveals where predators travel, how they approach sound, and when they move.

Do weather changes affect predator movement?
Yes. Cold snaps, snow, and fronts often increase activity, all of which cameras help you track.

Ready to use trail cameras to dial in predator patterns? Compare outfitters and DIY predator hunt opportunities now on Find A Hunt and make your next hunt more effective than ever.