Trail cams are critical, especially when a person’s livelihood takes them away from their hunting property. With this technology — which makes significant advances almost yearly — scouting isn’t limited to boots-on-the-ground. Look for increased megapixels, high-quality video, improved nighttime images and lightning-fast trigger speeds.

Primos Hunting: 03 BlackOut

Primos Hunting (601-879-9323; www.primos.com) has amassed a seriously loyal following over the years, which in no small part is due to products like the new Proof Gen 2 lineup of cameras. The top-end camera in this line is the 03 BlackOut ($149), a 16-megapixel model that boasts a .3-second trigger speed and a 100-foot night flash range (courtesy of 60 BlackOut LEDs). It's also easy to set up, features a one-second recovery rate, and can take images and video for a full year off of one set of AA batteries.

Covert Scouting Cameras: Black Maverick

Covert Scouting Cameras’ (877-462-1799; www.covertscoutingcameras.com) newest 24/7 scouter is the Black Maverick ($200). This 12-megapixel, time-lapse-capable camera can take up to 20,000 pictures on a single set of AA batteries. If video is your thing, the Black Maverick also captures 1080P HD with audio, and can be set up in Dual Mode to take both video and images. To ensure the best nighttime images possible, each Black Maverick features a 100-foot flash range.

Moultrie: M-40i

The M-40i ($160) from Moultrie (800-653-3334; www.moultriefeeders.com) is capable of capturing the fastest-moving deer at long distances, even on the darkest nights. The 16-megapixel M-40i takes clear, crisp images and 1080P HD videos with sound. With an undetectable 32-LED iNVISIBLE Infrared Flash, the M-40i boasts a detection range of 80 feet and a speedy .3-second trigger speed. The M-40i is compatible with Moultrie Mobile technology, so users can access their photos from almost anywhere.

Stealth Cam: DS4K

The latest trail camera from Stealth Cam (877-269-8490; www.stealthcam.com) features 4K Ultra HD Video Technology, as well as a host of other advanced features. The DS4K ($250) boasts dual image sensors for high-resolution images day and night, 42 NO GLO IR emitters, burst mode of one to nine images per triggering and GEO-TAG GPS tagging capabilities. This 30-megapixel also offers manual shot capability, an SD card slot up to 64 GB and a 16:9 wide image ratio, and Matrix Advanced Blur Reduction and Retina low-light sensitivity makes for superior images, even in low light.

Wildgame Innovations: 360 LightsOut Cam

Wildgame Innovations (800-847-8269; www.wildgameinnovations.com) has released the new 360 LightsOut Cam ($200) to ensure bowhunters capture quality images whenever a buck walks anywhere near their cameras. The 360 LightsOut accomplishes this thanks to its 65 feet of illumination and detection. It also boasts 54 invisible LightsOut LEDs and a 1.5-second rapid trigger, and it’s water- and weather-resistant. In addition to capturing high-quality images, this 12-megapixel camera can also capture 720P HD video.