Does the flash spook them?

[Iowa1]

I am really wondering about if the flash of a camera spooks deer. I have a couple trails that are getting less and less use as I have had a camera on them. A lot more deer seem to be staring at the cam when the pic is taken too. I know this has been discussed some before. Is this just me or is the flash spooking them?

Just looking for some input.

 

[Ghost]

Kind of a related funny story...

The other morning I was walking to one of my stands in the dark. I was trying to walk slowly and be very quiet.

I happened to walk past one of my cams and the flash went off in my face and scared the crap out of me!

Back to your question. Different deer react differently to the flash.
Some will stand there and get their picture taken repeatedly and others will blow out of there.

Best thing to do is to move your camera to different locations often.

When a camera is in the same location for a long period of time I have proof that some bucks will avoid the area.

You kind of have to play cat and mouse with them.

 

[Ghost]

Here is another thread on "Flash Shock"...

Flash Shock

 

[vman]

The noise of the camera can get there attenion as well. I believe this is why alot of deer are looking at the camera when the flash goes off. Which, isnt all that bad. I see this affect less in the older olympus cams vs the newer sony cams. Ive got some good video of a good buck getting his picture taken. This was with a videotrailcam. I need to try and get it uploaded...Basically it startled the crap out of him, and it was daylight!

 

[bowhuntr311]

[ QUOTE ]
Different deer react differently to the flash

[/ QUOTE ]

I think this is so true. A friend claimed he had 140 pictures in one night over bait. Most of 4 does and 5 fawns. 140 flashes in one night they are used to cameras.

Last year I placed a camera on a UN-used wheeler trail leaving an awesome clover field. 1st week, I had 35 pictures, 2nd week I had 18, 3rd week I had 2, 4 and 5th week I had 1. Talk about a bummer, I have a stand near there too becuase of the pictures I got in the first two weeks that I had the camera there. I've watched several go around the end of the trail and skirt the edge and several cut across the middle of the trial where I didnt have the camera but they no longer go up and down that trai.

A friend was sitting opening morning of season this year and drew on a fat doe just as she walked in front of one of my cameras, flash went off and the deer bolted 40 yards and stopped. No shot, just when she thought all was lost the doe came trotting right back in and stood in the same spot and she shot the doe. The initial flash scared the crap out of the deer.

I have 4 trail cameras and 3 dont make a sound that I can hear and one makes a sound when the flash pops. I have had my picture taken several times coming off stand EVERY time I have just about had to change my shorts.

I have 4 pictures in succession of a 135 to 145in 10 point that didnt mind his picture being taken.

Dean

 

[J Becker]

I don't think it does. Both these bucks took about 20 pictures in one session at different times of the year.

HunterMan

 

[Renobber]

ghost you might have to post that pic.

 

[hillrunner]

ive watched a few get their pics taken, some dont seem to notice, and it scares the crap out of some of em. I would guess its gonna make a difference how on edge they are when it goes off. If the deer smells something and is looking for danger, the camera is probably gonna send em packin.