Trail Cameras – They’re Not Just for Hunting Any More

Trail cameras are one of those things that’s understandably seen as being for hunting only. After all, it’s hunters like myself who strap them to trees and fences to monitor game movement and watch for Bigfoot (or something). There are a ton of camera types out there, with WiFi-capable models becoming the frontrunners because they remove the need to physically pull cards to see images. So, why are we talking about it? Because trail cameras are for more than eyeing a big buck—they make great security tools, for more reasons than one. Here’s why I think you should add trail cameras to your home/property security measures.

Aren’t trail cameras for, well, trails?

Sure, trail cameras are traditionally made for use in wide open spaces to watch animals. That doesn’t mean trails—unless we’re talking deer trails—but it does mean they’re mostly for mounting on trees, fences, and posts in areas otherwise unseen. But the idea that a trail camera can only be used for hunting is outdated, because even hunters use them for things like watching for trespassers.

Quite a few poachers, thieves, and random jerks have been caught thanks to a strategically placed trail camera. That right, trail cameras are good for security, too.

Why not use a normal security camera?

Standard security cameras are great. There are now so many available that the prices have dropped, making it more affordable than ever to keep an electronic eye on your house or yard. Some people go for the Ring doorbell cameras while others put up little Wyze cameras on the eaves of their homes. Those cameras are WiFi enabled in a way that lets them run continuously if you so choose. That means they can be viewed at any time, not only when the software within the camera detects motion. But there are some problems with those cameras—like the fact that they crap out entirely if WiFi fails.

There are security cameras that take SD or microSD cards and keep recording to that card if the WiFi goes out, but they’re becoming less common. Let’s not even get into the fact they still need electricity to power them in most cases (and if you live in a storm-prone area, that little detail matters). So while security cameras are great, there are legitimate reasons to still use trail cameras.

Trail cameras are great backup

Having trail cameras in place is fantastic for backing up a system that requires electricity and/or WiFi to keep going. And if you’re worried about an endless stream of AA batteries, well, that isn’t such a concern anymore. A lot of trail cameras are now made with rechargeable battery packs with long lives. That makes keeping trail cameras going more affordable and a lot simpler simpler. And because they aren’t dependent on electricity, they keep going even if the power runs out. Sure, that means they aren’t delivering their images right to your phone or laptop, but at least they’re storing evidence of whatever goes down.

Also, when you have an obvious security system in place, it can be disrupted. Whether that means someone scopes it out to figure out how to approach from a blind spot and disable a camera, shoots it with a pellet rifle, sprays a lens with paint, or disrupts WiFi, the result’s the same—no cameras. That or they can—and do—wait for a power outage. But while they’re laser-focused on those obvious security cameras, what if there are other cameras catching them in the act?

Trail cameras make awesome decoys

This is something I’ve dealt with myself thanks to the fact crazy people are crazy. Trail cameras placed in prominent look-at-me places can be fantastic for catching the attention of people who are watching for security measures. For some time, I even had one mounted to the beams of my front porch by the front door. It was instantly visible, and it also meant people tended to ignore the actual, better camera hidden in a corner.

Other cameras can be placed out in the open on a fence or maybe on a mailbox post. Don’t even bother trying to disguise them—or at least not too much. People see what they want to see and what they expect, and if they spot your inexpensive trail camera(s), odds are good they won’t keep searching for the security system they really need to avoid.

Yes, trail cameras are good stand-alone security

If all you have are trail cameras, you’re still good. Sometimes you just need to keep an eye on a random corner of your property or want a record of cars driving by on your mostly-empty country road. Or maybe trail cameras are something you can afford whereas investing in an entire fancy security camera setup is out of reach.

Sometimes you need to think outside the box for home security, and trail cameras a good way to get it done. They’re not reliant on electricity, many don’t require WiFi, and they’re easy to use. There’s no reason you can’t use both standard security cameras and trail cameras—or just the latter. Do whatever works best for your home and property, but whatever you do, don’t do unprotected.