Public Land Cameras?

[TheMadCatter]

Since I'm heading to hunt Colorado I'm going on a scouting trip in August and planning on putting up a few trail cameras. I was wondering, what are some cheap cameras to put up that still work decent? Hopefully I'm not just throwing a few hundred bucks out the door.

 

[SEIowaDeerslayer]

I'd still use a decent camera. No sense in putting a camera out and getting no pictures or crappy pictures. Get some tree mounts and get them up in a tree a ways. You elk hunting or deer hunting out there?

 

[gunhunter]

i run those simmons 2 packs got them on sale 2 for a 100 bucks been an awesome camera. Dont have battery life as moultrie but they work pretty good

 

[AZHunter]

One thing to do is check the regs in CO on cameras. I don't know CO's regs exactly, but I do know that some western states (including AZ) will consider cameras abandoned property if they are left out for too long without being checked. Also, many western states with public land (Forest Service regs, particularly) have regs against bolting camera directly into trees. Something to consider when mounting your camera. A good bear box and cable lock (Python) are worth the investment. Even if you go with inexpensive cameras, bears love to trash those things out west!

 

[DE2IA]

Agree about the bears. I put cameras out when I was elk hunting in CO and one of them got destroyed. Not sure if by bear or what. May want to place the camera up higher looking down. Would help to avoid detection by people as well.

 

[TheMadCatter]

I'm both Mule deer and Elk hunting. It's tough getting permission out there! Asked them on Facebook and they said I can legally do it unless posted on any public property. Nobody likes to answer calls from Iowa Hopefully by tonight I'll have permission on a few places.

Thanks guys. Still looking for cams. I have a cheap DPS but that doesn't help me much without the sensor.

 

[StickersNKickers]

Maybe try ebay or craigslist specials.

 

[camo658]

I'm both Mule deer and Elk hunting. It's tough getting permission out there! Asked them on Facebook and they said I can legally do it unless posted on any public property. Nobody likes to answer calls from Iowa Hopefully by tonight I'll have permission on a few places.

Thanks guys. Still looking for cams. I have a cheap DPS but that doesn't help me much without the sensor.

That's hard to hear, Th. Getting Land access is getting harder and harder to accomplish. Most of the time I don't call. I'm under the belief that it is much harder for someone to say no to you if you show up ,at the door, rather than speaking on the phone. Of course, I've been told no in person too, but I've also been told yes. It just depends on the person/situation. You might want to plan on hunting public, and then plan on knocking on some doors when you get to Colorado. Your Young, and I believe that is in your favor. Also, It can help if you have a list of references of land owners that have given you permission in the past. It kind shows that you are a person of integrity and are trustworthy. Like a lot of things in this world.. Its about who you know and who can give a good word in for you.

 

[TheMadCatter]

That's hard to hear, Th. Getting Land access is getting harder and harder to accomplish. Most of the time I don't call. I'm under the belief that it is much harder for someone to say no to you if you show up ,at the door, rather than speaking on the phone. Of course, I've been told no in person too, but I've also been told yes. It just depends on the person/situation. You might want to plan on hunting public, and then plan on knocking on some doors when you get to Colorado. Your Young, and I believe that is in your favor. Also, It can help if you have a list of references of land owners that have given you permission in the past. It kind shows that you are a person of integrity and are trustworthy. Like a lot of things in this world.. Its about who you know and who can give a good word in for you.

Spent hours on the phone calling people and playing phone tag. Seriously heard so many no's it's not even funny anymore. Nobody has been rude to me though! Finally I got permission on a 40 acre place and they guy kept saying "This is strange, you do know it's only 40 acres right?" He said it 6 or 7 times. It's a start! It's right in a core area between national forest and 3,000 acres of public ground. I have a chance at an elk in this area! Went over to a buddies house and he has a relative in Colorado who has property and permission property. Looks like he'll be able to help me out!

 

[camo658]

Spent hours on the phone calling people and playing phone tag. Seriously heard so many no's it's not even funny anymore. Nobody has been rude to me though! Finally I got permission on a 40 acre place and they guy kept saying "This is strange, you do know it's only 40 acres right?" He said it 6 or 7 times. It's a start! It's right in a core area between national forest and 3,000 acres of public ground. I have a chance at an elk in this area! Went over to a buddies house and he has a relative in Colorado who has property and permission property. Looks like he'll be able to help me out!

That is great, TH! I'm glad things are shaping up for you. It pays to have connections.

 

[AZHunter]

Spent hours on the phone calling people and playing phone tag. Seriously heard so many no's it's not even funny anymore. Nobody has been rude to me though! Finally I got permission on a 40 acre place and they guy kept saying "This is strange, you do know it's only 40 acres right?" He said it 6 or 7 times. It's a start! It's right in a core area between national forest and 3,000 acres of public ground. I have a chance at an elk in this area! Went over to a buddies house and he has a relative in Colorado who has property and permission property. Looks like he'll be able to help me out!

Out of curiosity, what is your distinction between National Forest and 3,000 acres of public land? National forest land is public land and, without knowing what unit or where you are hunting, I'm guessing there is way more than 3,000 acres of NF land where you are. Is the 3,000 acres of public land State Trust land or a State Wildlife Area? Not trying to bust your chops, just trying to figure out the distinction and offer some insight. I get wanting to have access to private land, but CO has great public land hunting. Like most western states, if you're willing to get at least a half-mile from the roads (more is better), you will get away from close to 70% or more of the competition. You have as good of a chance (if not better) at an elk in the NF as you do on 40 acres of private land.