Game cameras are used by hunters to scout locations for future hunting excursions. These automated cameras use sensors to detect motion and take a picture. The photo is used to determine the numbers and types of game animals in the area. Convenient fence posts or trees are not available in all areas. Commercial camera mounts are available, but a homemade game camera mount can be constructed.
Camera Mounts
There are several criteria for successfully mounting a game camera. The camera needs to be held steady and securely. A game camera knocked off its mounts could end up on the ground where it will not provide any useful pictures and could be lost.
According to Web site Chasingame.com, the camera should be mounted between 24 and 40 inches of the ground. Any lower and the camera will be triggered by squirrels and other small animals. Mounting the camera higher makes it more prone to vibration from the wind.
In some cases, where there is particularly high brush or other obstructions, a taller mount is necessary. In this case the camera will shoot down on the game. These mounts will have to be particularly strong to avoid vibrating or shaking in the wind.
Weather Considerations
Other features commonly added to a homemade game camera mount include a rain and sun shield over the camera and some sort of security cable allowing the mounting bracket and camera to be locked to some sort of immovable object. The rain shield also serves as a convenient mounting place for a solar cell if that option is available for the game camera.
Other Mounting Considerations
The homemade camera mount and the camera should include the name, address and phone number of the owner.
The homemade camera mount should be painted to match the surrounding landscape.
Innovative Camera Mounts
A thread found on a forum at Texasbowhunter.com shows how innovative and creative people can be in constructing a homemade game camera mount. Designs there range from a steel fence post, available at any farm supply store, to mounts made of steel pipe permanently set in a concrete-filled bucket. The design of a homemade game camera will largely be decided by the supplies available and the ingenuity of the builder.
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