(Author photo)
January 11, 2023
By Brian K. Strickland
It can’t be overstated how trail cameras have truly changed the way we bowhunt. In fact, other than a highly tuned compound bow, it might be the most effective tool we utilize when chasing whitetails. Whether you have to rely on a traditional trail camera due to poor reception, or can take full advantage of the benefits of today’s technology, it would be hard to argue against what they bring to the table.
Browning Dark Ops Full HD Extreme Browning Dark Ops Full HD Extreme Take the new Dark Ops Full HD Extreme sub-micro trail camera from Browning Trail Cameras . Expanding their popular invisible flash camera series, this little gem features an adjustable 0.135-0.7 second trigger speed with 24MP image/1080p Full HD video capabilities. With the new 55-degree field of view and HDR night images coupled with Browning’s new invisible Radiant 4 LED system, you’ll be rewarded with crisp nighttime images and videos. Other notable features are its 80 ft detection range with a flash range of up to 90 ft, Illuma-Smart technology that automatically adjusts the IR flash for the best image possible, and adjustable infrared flash giving the user complete control. And with Browning’s industry-defining battery life, a dead trail camera will be the last thing you worry about.
Covert WC20 Covert WC20 Connecting seamlessly within the AT&T and Verizon networks, Covert’s WC20 scouting camera has become a fan favorite in whitetail bowhunting circles. Updated last year with a more compact design, it’s equipped with 40 Infrared No-Glow LEDs with a flash range of 100-feet that incorporates an ultra-sensitive .30-second trigger speed with MaXimum Silence Image Capture to ensure nothing spooks when triggered. Its 20MP image sensor also captures full 1080p HD video and records time, date, temperature and moon phase data. Setup is a breeze with the 1.5-inch incorporated screen or by simply scanning the QR code, and with the Covert Web Portal and mobile app, you have complete control.
Cuddeback Tracks Cuddeback Tracks Cuddeback needs no introduction, and their Tracks cellular camera is just the latest example of the effective innovations they have been delivering to hunters for eons. Designed on a small ergonomic platform, it features dual external paddle antennas for enhanced reception, and with its advanced image sensor, it produces stellar images directly to the camera and to a web interface/smartphone app. Tracks is easy to set up and can be configured on either AT&T or Verizon networks, and because it operates on 4 D cell batteries, it provides longer battery life than other cameras that utilize AA batteries.
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Bushnell CelluCore Live Bushnell CelluCore Live Taking cellular trail camera technology to a whole new level, the new CelluCore Live Cellular Trail Camera from Bushnell is a game changer. Feature-rich with everything you expect from Bushnell, it’s equipped with on-demand streaming video so you can get real-time video with just a touch of a button on your smartphone. Plus, with Bushnell’s Dual SIM Connectivity and optimized antenna, it automatically connects to the strongest AT&T and Verizon signal in your area to ensure you stay connected. Delivering 32 MP image quality with solid video performance, it also features high output No Glow IR LED’s with a night range of 80 ft, while also sorting images based on environmental conditions.
Tactacam Reveal X Gen 2.0 Tactacam Reveal X Gen 2.0 Building upon the successes of the original, Tactacam is once again turning heads with the all-new Reveal X Gen 2.0. With the ability to interface on either the Verizon or AT&T networks, the Reveal X Gen 2.0 sets up in a snap and offers better photos and video quality than its predecessor, as well as much improved battery life and an enhanced antenna to ensure a solid connection even in sketchy areas. It has an adjustable night illumination range out to nearly 100 feet, which is matched by the same detection range to ensure much doesn’t slip by. Plus, with the Low Glow IR technology, you don’t have to worry about spooking game.
Muddy Matrix Muddy Matrix Another wireless option that also operates on either the AT&T or Verizon networks is the new Muddy Matrix, but it offers far more than just that. It features an 80 ft detection and flash range and the ability to grab a single or a burst of three images that stamps the time, date, moon phase and temperature on each image. Although most wireless cameras force you to choose between networks, the Matrix has an auto-detect feature that works with both networks to ensure the best service possible. Because it’s compatible with the Stealth Cam Command Pro app, photos/videos are easily downloaded to your fingertips.
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Stealth Cam Deceptor Stealth Cam Deceptor Steath Cam needs no introduction, and their new Deceptor is just their latest example of a solid cellular scouter that makes your job easier. With the pre-installed SIM cards, it’s capable of working on either the AT&T or Verizon networks while setup is a snap using the Stealth Cam Command app. Plus, with the Deceptor’s 0.4-second trigger speed, coupled with a detection range of 80 feet and 36 NoGlo IR emitters, you won’t miss much or spook game. Other notable features include adjustable file sizes from 4 to 40 megapixels, 1440P QHD video/audio and time/date/moon phase/temperature/camera name stamped on each image for easy record keeping.
Wildgame Innovations Encounter XT Wildgame Innovations Encounter XT The new Encounter XT from Wildgame Innovations is designed to ensure every “encounter” is delivered to your fingertips. With its pre-installed SIM cards for both AT&T and Verizon networks, the Encounter XT incorporates an auto-detect feature that identifies the strongest cell signal at your location. Not only will it switch daily if needed to the best network to ensure a solid connection to the Huntsmart app for viewing images/videos, but with the On Demand feature you can remotely see what’s happening in front of the camera “now” so you don’t bump game slipping in. In addition to the dual network capabilities, it offers an 80 ft flash and detection range, a trigger speed of under half a second, 1-3 photo burst capability, high-resolution 34MP still imaging, and 720P HD video capture with audio recording.
SpyPoint FLEX-S SpyPoint FLEX-S Integrating the benefits of a solar panel with an internal lithium battery, Spypoint introduces the new FLEX-S. Equipped with cross-carrier technology and an antenna that is optimized to stay connected, it automatically connects to the best network to ensure it works flawlessly in areas with spotty service. It features a flash and detection range of 100 feet, and with the 33MP image sensor with 1080p video quality, it delivers the image quality Spypoint is known for. Best of all, setup is a snap with the SPYPOINT App, and with the new responsive trigger that automatically configures the camera’s settings to outside conditions, plus the innovative photo and camera management app with customizable maps, weather, and BUCK TRACKER AI filters, you’ll be better prepared when you climb into your treestand.
Spartan GoLive Spartan GoLive Just when you think advancements in trail camera technology couldn’t get much better, Spartan raises the bar with their GoLive to take your scouting to the next level. As the name suggests, the innovation allows users to live stream on demand up to 30fps, while also grabbing stellar images and videos and sending them to Spartan’s Camera Management app. Its fast, 0.4-second trigger speed coupled with a wide 56-degree field-of-view and 80 ft detection range ensures nothing slips unnoticed. The GoLive also features an invisible Dual Blackout Infrared Flash, a handy 2.0” IPS LCD screen for easy infield adjustment, an anti-theft GPS and an internal 5300 mAh lithium battery for extended run time. The GoLive 2 and 2M models offer Smart Carrier Switching to insure you stay connected with the best cell carrier in your hunting area as well.
Moultrie Edge Pro Moultrie Edge Pro Building upon the success of their popular Edge series, Moultrie launches the next generation with the Edge Pro. Providing all the fan favorite specs of the original but with some industry-first technologies, the new flagship Edge Pro utilizes artificial intelligence to integrate the first of its kind False Trigger Elimination capabilities. With features like SmartCapture, which lets users pick the animal, as well as SmartZones, which provides custom detection zones to ensure grass or limbs aren’t causing false triggers, you see what you want to see without all the empty images. This not only saves time with image management, but also much-needed battery life. Other smart features include NYXEL NIR infrared technology for enhanced low-light performance with minimized power consumption, as well as Bluetooth-enabled Live View Aim with the Moultrie Mobile App, sharp 36MP images and 1080P videos, lightning-fast trigger speed, a flash and detection range up to 100 feet, built-in memory, flexible power options, and nationwide coverage with Auto Connect Technology.