Summer Setup | Trail Cams Best Spots

By: Connor Hermesch

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2 minute read

Categories: Hunting, Lifestyle

Landowner standing in agriculture field that he inherited.

Audio summary:

The source material outlines a major strategic shift in modern hunting, moving from relying on instinct and seasonal signs to prioritizing proactive, year-round data management. Experts from the American Hunting Lease Association (AHLA) argue that the trail camera must be utilized throughout the offseason to eliminate critical information blind spots and track specific animals. Gathering this continuous intelligence allows hunters to confirm the survival and development of target animals, providing a comprehensive understanding of local herd dynamics well before the fall season. Since typical seasonal markers are absent during summer months, the strategy pivots to setting cameras at points of absolute necessity: elevated cameras on summer food plots, legal mineral stations, and essential water sources. This transition from reactive scouting to sophisticated surveillance, centered on obtaining localized information, is forecasted to become the new fundamental requirement for successful, dedicated hunters.

Published: June 25, 2021

You may think that hunting is something done of instinct, drive, and determination. While all of those things play a big role in a hunter’s success, another critical aspect has been growing in popularity.

Information.

A broad term, but the way it can assist you in your next hunt is unprecedented. Getting additional information on the deer that call your woods home can make or break a great hunting season. How to gather that information is where things get interesting.

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Best Spots for Summer Hunting Trail Camera Setup 

Knowing exactly where to put your trail cameras in the summer can be tricky if you have never done it before in this season. You will not be able to find many, if any, rubs or scrapes, which is the spot moist hunters would use for cams. Here are some of the best places to put your trail cameras.

Food Plots

A seemingly obvious choice for summer trail cams is your summer food plot! The benefits of them, however, go beyond just a food source for deer. The shorter stature of the plants makes it an ideal place to put a trail camera that allows you to see everything going on. A prime spot would be up in a tall tree, pointed down, at either entrance to the plot.

Mineral Licks

Before considering a mineral lick, check your state’s guidelines on the use of them.

Mineral licks are great at attracting deer to one spot and keeping them there for a period of time. So if there is a specific area you want to be recorded, or you are low on cameras and can only cover so many spots. Using a mineral lick is a great upgrade to your summer trail camera setup.

Water Features

It should come as no surprise that an easy place to see deer is the local watering hole. It becomes even easier if you are in a summer drought or water access is few and far between.

Like a mineral lick, this is a great spot if you do not have an abundance of cameras at your disposal.

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Conclusion

Using trail cameras in the summer is something I believe will be the norm of hunters everywhere in the next few years. In the age of information, a trail camera setup is one of the best tactics.

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Author: Connor Hermesch

Connor is the Marketing Manager for American Hunting Lease Association and has been with them for over 5 years. Connor lives in Indiana and enjoys the outdoors whether it's fishing, riding his quad or sitting around the campfire. When not working or outdoors, you can find him rooting for his sports teams.

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