Minimizing human disturbance is critical for bowhunters who want to keep deer and other wild creatures calm and moving naturally on their properties. And one of the biggest challenges they face is that by using traditional scouting tactics they must encroach on these sanctuaries during spring and summer in order to gain itel for developing a strategic fall hunting plan. Of course, this leaves human scent not only while they’re there, but long after they leave the area — and there’s really nothing they can do to completely eliminate it. Plus, the sounds they make moving in and out of the area are alarming to wildlife. If they’re lucky, this will have minimal impact on deer activity. However, if they overdo it, it can alter deer behavior — turning them nocturnal, or completely chasing them off the property.
And that’s why cellular trail cameras are the bee’s knees for stealthy scouting. Using these modern devices that send images to almost any mobile device, hunters can spy on deer and other wildlife without setting foot on their properties. These cameras are a valuable tool that enables users to determine deer demographics, trophy potential, movement patterns, daytime activity, etc. — all important factors for monitoring the deer herd on a property. Of course, it pays mentioning that these cameras can only transmit pics to a mobile device if there is decent cell service in the area. Traditional trail cams still serve a purpose in areas where cell signals are lacking.
Cellular trail cameras are also useful for keeping a watchful eye on a property, strategically placed to monitor unwanted human activity at outbuildings, gates, game trails, interior roads, etc. — to determine if there are encroachment issues. Most models are capable of taking still images and videos and capturing photos in complete darkness with no visible flash. Catching an intruder has never been easier with the help of trail cameras for security surveillance and will help keep problems with poachers, trespassers, burglars and vandals at bay.
Pure and simple, hunters who don’t use cellular scouting cameras to monitor and patrol their properties are operating with one hand tied behind their back. Help your customers get the most out of their scouting — and security — efforts by steering them toward one or more of these 12 top-shelf models.
Black Gate R4G-Gen2
The R4G-Gen2 is Black Gate’s flagship cell camera model, built with top-of-the-line 4G/LTE technology, with a trigger speed of less than .4 second. It offers proprietary Dual Lens and Dual Sensor technologies, and with anti-fog lenses and a weatherproof housing will continue to perform no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. With the use of OneSim technology, users never have to worry about a specific provider, just purchase data and let the camera do the work. The R4G-Gen2 has an updated PIR and camera sensor with the same features as the original R4G. It also has a threaded DC port for external power, much like the R4G Lite. Cell plans start as low as $3 per month. MSRP: $199.99. blackgatehunting.com
Browning Defender Pro Scout Max HD
The Browning Defender Pro Scout Max HD Cellular Trail Camera has been reengineered to offer the very best in picture quality, dependability and cellular connectivity. It delivers high-quality 1080p full HD images from the field that are a minimum of five times larger than previous images. Additionally, its cutting edge On Demand feature allows users to request an instant picture or video from the field when time is of the essence. Other features include GPS tagged images, 100-foot detection range and an innovative high gain antenna system to offer the best possible signal reception in remote locations. The Pro Scout Max HD can be activated on either ATT or Verizon networks and comes equipped with high-performance Invisible IR illumination. MSRP: $149.99. browningtrailcameras.com
Bushnell CelluCORE Live
Bushnell’s CelluCORE Live is a feature-rich trail camera with Dual SIM cellular connectivity and live streaming video on demand so users can check in on their property no matter what time it is and no matter where they are, automatically connecting to the strongest network signal available. This means it connects, receives and sorts high-quality photos and videos faster. The CelluCORE Live also features an optimized antenna for better signal transmission, high output No Glow IR LEDs for 100-foot night range, extended battery life, as well as image sorting by weather, wind, moon phase and more. Data plans are available starting at $9.99 per month, and purchasers of the CelluCORE Live get their first 30 days free. MSRP: $299.99. bushnell.com
Covert Scouting Cameras Interceptor Pro
The Interceptor Pro Cellular Scouting Camera from Covert features image transmission that can be set to delayed or instant, or with RealTime activation. Crisp preview images and videos up to 1080p are transmitted via the Covert app and desktop portal, while up to 20MP images and HD videos are also stored on the included removable SD card. A 2-inch high-definition LCD screen details both the settings menu and provides a bright, clear preview of the camera’s coverage area. Eight AA batteries or the new Covert exclusive rechargeable lithium battery pack powers the No-Glow LEDs for up to 90-foot flash range with an ultra-fast, .3-second trigger speed. The Interceptor Pro functions on either AT&T or Verizon wireless services with exceptional reliability. MSRP: $169.99. feradyne.com
Cuddeback Tracks LTE
Cuddeback’s Tracks LTE Cellular Trail Camera focuses on traditional cell cameras outside of the CuddeLink ecosystem, built on a new small, ergonomic camera platform. Tracks uses an advanced IR-cut image sensor that delivers better image quality and reliability. Additionally, it supports connectivity to all Cuddeback accessories, ranging from external battery packs and solar panels to mounting systems. A built-in interface allows users to easily program and make changes to settings while at the camera. Users can also remotely adjust camera settings through the web interface or via the smartphone app. Finally, the new Tracks camera allows users to access images four different ways: smartphone app, email, text messaging and online Web interface. The camera runs on four D-cell batteries. MSRP: $119.99. cuddeback.com
Moultrie Mobile Edge 2 Pro
The Edge 2 Pro Cellular Camera from Moultrie Mobile advances the brand’s flagship Edge Pro model with new technology and features. In addition to carrying over the Edge Pro’s industry-first False Trigger Elimination technology, the Edge 2 Pro is upgraded with GPS, tamper detection, a lightning-fast .3-second trigger speed and no-glow flash. Additionally, it is built with NYXEL NIR (near infrared) technology for enhanced low-light performance with minimized power consumption, delivering 40MP images and 1080P videos with HD sound. It has a detection range of up to 100 feet, built-in memory, flexible power options and nationwide coverage with Auto Connect technology. The Edge 2 Pro also has Moultie’s Bluetooth-enabled Live Aim feature for precise camera mounting. MSRP: $139.99. moultriemobile.com
Reconyx Hyperfire 2 Cellular Covert IR
Now including Intellitag Smart AI Image Recognition, which enables users to filter images to see what they are most interested in, the HyperFire 2 Camera from Reconyx is now 4G LTE cellular enabled. This allows users to receive images almost anywhere in the world through a mobile app for Android or iOS. Cost effective data plans are available directly through Reconyx starting at only $5 per month with no long-term contracts, with plans through Verizon or AT&T networks in the United States as well as an International program for use almost anywhere in the world. Utilizing the mobile app, users can create a custom cellular plan, manage images and check status or change camera settings from anywhere. MSRP: $599.99.
Ridgetec Freedom
The Freedom Cellular Scouting Camera from Ridgetec is powered by eight AA internal batteries/12V external port, and comes equipped with a 4G LTE multi-band modem and black (invisible) flash and integrates with Ridgetec solar and battery products. It has a full-size SD card and takes 12MP photos and video with audio up to 1080p. It operates online with an active data plan or offline at no cost and other features include integrated cloud server/storage and mobile apps, web portal and mobile apps, Freedom SIM card, external antenna port and 6-foot heavy-duty strap. It is compatible with these USA/Canada carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Bell, Telu and Rogers. MSRP: $159.95. ridgetecoutdoors.com
Spartan Cellular GoLive 4G/LTE
The GoLive is Spartan’s most advanced cellular scouting camera. Its innovative technology allows users to live stream at the touch of a button, capture images and videos on demand and take advantage of simultaneous capture and sending to receive photos and videos faster than ever. It also features anti-theft GPS, real-time updates and easy solar connections. It is compatible with the Spartan Camera Management app, which allows it to transmit photos and videos and remotely update settings with the touch of a button. Whether it’s monitoring land, cabins or keeping an eye on animals, the Spartan GoLive will keep users connected with industry-leading technology. Users can take advantage of Spartan’s 2-year warranty when they register their camera. MSRP: $399.95. spartancamera.com
Spypoint Flex-M
With true Dual SIM technology, the Flex-M Cellular Trail Camera from Spypoint comes pre-loaded with two preactivated SIM cards that ensure cross-carrier coverage on all major cellular networks and continuous connectivity to the best coverage in the area. Set up is simple with mobile activation and on-camera buttons that allow users to format the required microSD card (not included) and take a test photo. The camera offers four capture modes: Photo, Video, Time-Lapse and Time-Lapse+. The Flex-M’s responsive trigger optimizes the camera’s settings for the exact conditions at the time of the photo to deliver the best quality image, every time. Equipped with Constant Capture technology, the Flex-M can send and capture images simultaneously. MSRP: $79.99. spypoint.com
Stealth Cam Revolver
The Revolver 360-degree Cellular Trail Camera from Stealth Cam covers six zones to deliver a complete panorama of its surroundings. This means users get a full 360 degrees of visibility, day and night — even deer passing behind where the lens is positioned. In other words, they can now enjoy the equivalent of six cameras worth of coverage in a single device. Thanks to a silent, pivoting motor, the Revolver offers the option of getting more than one photo from a single vantage when a zone is triggered. The camera responds quickly to movement, situating its lens in the correct zone to deliver high-quality images and videos in real time, making it ideal for use on food plots. MSRP: $149.99. stealthcam.com
Tactacam Reveal X-Pro
Tactacam’s Reveal X-Pro is a powerhouse for discreet cellular image capture, providing no-glow IR technology, making it virtually undetectable to humans or animals, day or night. Its built-in GPS, LCD screen and weather-resistant body allow for seamless, fast and easy setup. The Tactacam Reveal X-Pro is a great choice for remotely and discreetly scouting any hunting property and is dual carrier capable (Verizon or AT&T) with month-to-month data plans with no contracts or activation fees. Other key features include a .5-second trigger speed, IP66 waterproof certification, adjustable night illumination, external port to accommodate a solar panel, an easy-to-use mobile app with daily camera status reports and improved battery life with new hybrid mode setting checks. MSRP: $129.99. tactacam.com
