10 best trail cameras for hunting in 2021 – Reviews and buyer’s guide


Using trail cameras for hunting has made life easier for hunters without having to step their foot in the woods. It is difficult for hunters to keep track of their target to know their habits and where to easily trap them. However, that is easier to do using a trail camera.

With trail cameras, you can easily track hunting areas, monitor potential targets lifestyle and habits without you having to leave the comfort of your home. It absolutely saves you time, stress, and effort all other hunters go through before closing in on their target.

Without further ado, let’s go straight to the list of the best trail cameras you can choose for your hunting lifestyle. For those who do not have the time to go through the product reviews, you can check out the comparison table to make the right choice.

Image Product Features View

  • Invisible flash
  • Instantly receive game-camera images to your smartphone, tablet, and computer
  • The camera operates on Verizon 4G Network
  • 20 MP images
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  • Night vision
  • Minimum power consumption
  • 4k resolution
  • Wi-fi connection
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  • 20MP Clearer Photo & 1080P Video Resolution
  • Super night vision
  • Fast 0.4s Trigger Speed
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  • 30MP Clarity and Exceptional 4K Video Resolution
  • Impressively faster trigger speed
  • 40PCS low glow black IR LEDs
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  • Long Distance 90 Feet Motion Sensor
  • 0.2s Ultra Fast Trigger Speed and 1s Ultra Fast Recovery Rate
  • Amazing 100 Feet IR Flash Distance For Full Illumination
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  • T85 trail camera built-in WIFI and APP control function
  • 20MP crystal clear images and 1296P video
  • 940nm IR LEDs No Glow Night Vision
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  • 0.3 second trigger speed
  • 16MP maximum image resolution
  • 100 detection and illumination range
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  • Wild game hunting camera
  • FULL-HD Night Vision
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  • Built-in WIFI & Remote Control
  • 20MP Image & 1296P Video Super HD Recording
  • 65FT Triggering Distance & 0.3s Trigger Speed
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  • Ultra-High Resolution
  • IP66 Waterproof Wildlife Camera
  • Game Camera Built in 2.4″ LCD Screen
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Game camera reviews in 2020

trail cameras for hunting

1. Moultrie Mobile XV7000i Cellular Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B07NW7PQGC”]

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2. Rexing Woodlens H2-4K Wi-Fi Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B083Z11N61″]

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3. HOLLYWTOP Mini Trail Game Camera

[amazon box=”B07RX5QPQQ”]

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4. APEMAN Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B07F9VT79Z”]

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5. Alpha Cam Premium Hunting Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B07RNMF5M7″]

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6. Campark WiFi Bluetooth Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B082W7HK69″]

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7. Bushnell Trophy Cam Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B06XQMBZ65″]

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8. CreativeXP LTE 4G Cellular Trail Cameras

[amazon box=”B07Y2HQ8Y4″]

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9. TOGUARD WiFi Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B08318BQHY”]

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10. usogood Trail Camera

[amazon box=”B07SZBBL8G”]

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Hunting game finders features to consider

trail cameras for hunting

  • Image quality

Every trail camera has picture resolution and they are all measured in Pixels either mega-pixels or giga-pixels. The common of the two is the mega-pixel. Getting the best and quality images depend on the size of the mega-pixel which means the higher the MP, the better the output of the captured images or moment.

Most trail cameras come with a resolution between 2MP to 20MP. However, a resolution of less 7MP on the average is okay for any hunting outing and if you are the type that hunts at night, you might have to increase the resolution to about 10MP and above.

  • Battery and Power option

If you are getting a battery-powered trail camera, you should get the one that uses rechargeable batteries. Also, you need to ensure you get one with a battery indicator on the LCD which will let you know the status of your battery. Failure to know means you can sometimes get to the hunting site and find out your battery is dead with no means to recharge.

  • Trigger time

The trigger time of trail cameras is the time between the moment your camera detects movements and captures the motion is detected. Most trail cameras have short trigger time and that is to help with a good shot before your target moves out of sight. The time range for most trail cameras is between 0.14 to 4 seconds.

  • Price

Whatever you get all depends on your budget. The price of trail cameras varies. There are simple and sophisticated ones, and sometimes, you have to above your budget to get a quality trail camera. As a pro hunter, you need a camera that can offer quality images and videos and that is the reason you need to get a quality camera to show your level of professionalism to the world.

There are many things that contribute to the price of trail cameras such as features, materials used in production, memory, and all. So, for those who are looking for the best, you get what your budget can cover.

  • Security

There have been several reports of stolen trail cameras. They are very easy to get stolen and the best way you can deal with that is through the use of anti-theft cables or enclosed security measures. The anti-theft cables are very easy to set up and install.

  • Memory

Every trail camera comes with memory storage. The storage capacity determines the number of images and videos you can save on the camera. Most trail cameras often have an SD card with the storage space ranging between 8 to 32GB.

  • Flash

One of the features that you should never overlook is the flash from the camera. You need to check the flash the camera is using. It is either the LED type of the incandescent one and they are both bright with while light which allows you to capture images without revealing where you store your trail camera. They are the best for day hunting.

However, they have their setback as they can easily scare your prey due to the light display. For night hunting, the best is the infrared flash that allows you to capture images without revealing your presence or alerting your prey of any action going on around.

  • Video options

Trail cameras are not only for images as you can record videos too. The quality of the video depends on the type of camera you get, the flash type, and the quality of the lens.

  • Detection circuit

The detection circuit helps you to know the range in feet your camera can easily detect movement and trigger the camera to capture images. What determines the range it will cover depends on the camera type and quality. A good one should cover from 60 to 70 feet without any hassles.

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Tips in Maintaining Your Trail Camera

trail cameras for hunting

If you are investing your hard-earned money on a trail camera, then it is very important that you take good care of the equipment you are getting. There are some important things that you need to do to take good care of your trail camera.

  • Regular check

Checking to know the status or condition of your trail camera is not a bad choice. you need to keep a close tab on every part of the camera and ensure they are all in good condition. It should be an action that you must do at least thrice in a week. Doing so will let you know when and how any part gets faulty and how you can easily fix it before your next hunting outing.

  • Checking Batteries

This has happened several that I have myself to blame. I give less attention to the battery outlet of the trail camera and it got spoilt as a result of heat to the battery. You need to constantly check the battery and be sure of its status.

Also, you need to be sure of the strength of the battery before you set out for hunting. If your battery is getting weak, you might need to get a better replacement so you do not have to regret you didn’t when it fails to capture any move or trail animals. You can easily get to know the strength of the battery from a trail camera if you are using one with an LCD screen display.

  • Clean Your Lens 

The lens of your camera is very important that you should never be too careless of cleaning regularly. If the lens is stained, you are sure to get a blurry image and that is not too good to start your hunting with uncertainty. So, you should always clean and keep neat before using it for hunting.

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Types of Trail Cameras

trail cameras for hunting

There are different types of trail cameras and some not all of them do come with a whole host of different benefits and features. This section will discuss these types.

  • Cellular Trail Camera

The first you need to know is the cellular trail camera. This is the type of hunting trail camera that uses network to operate. It means you can’t operate the camera without a network provider. You need a sim card that operates on a network.

It is the common and easiest to use as you can easily send any video and images straight to your mobile devices. As good as it is, it has its setback and it all centered around the signal. Once you get to an area that is less impacted by a good signal, it will affect its performance.

  • WiFi Trail Camera

A trail camera that uses WIFI will need a strong WiFi signal to work properly. It is one of the choices you can make but it has great downside as the device needs to be within the reach or range of a Wifi connection to work properly. It also can capture pictures, record images, and send them to your mobile device.

  • Solar-Powered

Another type of trail camera is the solar-powered type. For me, they are the best as you do not have to worry about any network provider or Wifi connection. Both can make you lose some moment of action if the network or signal fails at some time.

With the solar-powered trail, you are covered. It gets its energy from the sun to stay active at all times. It doesn’t require the same maintenance like every other and it is cost-effective which helps you to save the money you spend on the network providers and also for getting batteries.

  • Battery-Powered

The other option is the battery-powered trail. It is reliable but requires lots of maintenance than a solar-powered version. The battery trail camera is better than Wifi and cellular trail camera because you do not have to deal with charges from network or signal provider but you do have to buy batteries.

At least, you do not have to worry about signal loss or weak signal strength but, it has its setback. Any leak to the battery can make it less potent and it can run out of charges. However, you do not have to worry too much because most of them come waterproofed.

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Hunting trail cameras buyer’s guide

trail cameras for hunting

By now, you must have known that some things are a major factor in getting some products and the same as getting your trail camera. If you need one for your hunting lifestyle, then you need to consider the following.

  • Mounting

Most trail cameras come with a strap or a bracket for mounting on a tree. It makes it so easier for you to strap around the tree in your best position. Also, some have threaded tripod style socket for added mounting options. Most have a locking system to help you keep the trail in position or in place for added security from theft.

  • Power

Using a trail camera is fun only when you have it active. A reliable power supply with a long lifespan is a major key to capturing lots of amazing images and record of moments which you will forever appreciate. There are some power sources you should consider such as:

  • Batteries

One of the ways to power your trail camera is through the use of batteries. You need to select the appropriate ones that will keep your trail active without you missing out on any action when in use. Mind you, batteries do run out of charges and lose their potency over months and that is the reason you need to constantly check the status to ensure you do not have yourself to blame.

  • Solar

The other power option is solar and it is best to consider. Considering you do not have to spend often on getting batteries, maintenance and all, it is the best. It gets its energy from the sun and thus makes it a great choice for those areas that are blessed with sunny conditions.

  • Memory Cards vs. Cellular Plans

When you record or capture images with your trail camera, there is a place you have to store them which is called memory bank. There are two types which are the memory cards and cellular plans. Most trail camera uses a memory card to save images and videos and some can send directly to their mobile device.

However, most hunters do opt for the use of cellular plans. This is the kind that allows you to recover all your file even if your camera gets missing or stolen. They are less expensive and affordable but you have to deal with a network provider for perfect use.

  • LCD Screen

If you are the curious type like me that loves to see things quickly without wasting time, then you should opt for an LCD screen type of trail camera. You can easily see the images, videos of every action you have captured even before leaving the hunting site.

Conclusion

Using the trail cameras for hunting is one of the best acts you will find among expert hunters. They do not have the time or energy to waste to monitor and study the lifestyle of their target while the trail camera can do that for them. You can monitor and carefully understand the habits of your target from the recorded images and action and that will boost your hunting performances.

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