Whether you've been using your trail camera for years or you got your first one this past Christmas, you might want to consider some accessories that will help to make it either easier to use or more effective.
Some of the more common ones are security cases, mounting brackets, drop tines for mounting, solar panels for charging batteries and viewers for checking your images in the field.
Following are some of the features and benefits of these accessories.
Several manufacturers make security cases for their scouting cameras.
Bushnell's Trophy Cam case is designed for a high level of protection from the game you are photographing.
It can be secured to the tree either by lag screws or a Master Python Lock and comes with a keyed padlock.
This case can also be used in conjunction with Bushnell's tree bracket which screws into any tree.
The ¼ - 20 thread portion of the bracket can then be screwed into the bottom of the Trophy Cam camera.
An adjustable head provides for flexibility in mounting.
Do-All Traps makes both a single and a double drop tine for mounting your camera.
It's lightweight, high strength steel shaft provides a strong, rigid base.
The adjustable clamp footer grips tree limbs, providing outstanding stability.
The 360 degree mount swivel allows a fully adjustable area of vision.
Height can be set from 34" to 54" from the ground, keeping it out of the way and safe from animal disturbance, while allowing you to take overhead pictures - the best vantage point to accurately score antlers.
It also allows the camera to pivot 180 degrees.
One other accessory for your camera, the external viewer, is available, but its use depends on personal preference.
Some camera manufacturers, Spy Point and Moultrie Feeders to name two, have built-in viewers ranging from 2" to 3" viewing fields.
Others such as Cuddeback prefer to use an external viewer.
There are two primary reasons for this decision.
First, it is often difficult to see the screen in the outdoors.
If you think about the problems you sometimes have when trying to use your cell phone outdoors, this makes sense.
Also, these displays sometimes do not function in very cold temperatures and that is the environment most encountered during hunting season.
Some manufacturers make solar panels to ensure a continued source of power for your trail camera.
They work well in areas in which changing batteries may not be convenient and they will not over charge your battery.
However, since 2007, most cameras operate on relatively inexpensive D-cell batteries and chargers will not work with these models.
Whatever choices you make, keep your scouting cameras in the field year-round for maximum effectiveness and fun.