Anyone else given up game cameras?

Game cameras have been around for quite some time now and at one point in the past i was probably running close to a dozen of them between various locations for deer and bear. They are a great tool to be sure but about 5 years ago i decided to wean myself off them over the course of a couple seasons and just rely on old fashioned scouting and to let myself be surprised. For me its been a good thing as one less hassle to worry about and i find myself spending more time in the bush scouting trying to figure things out without the tech. No judgment on either side as do what works best for you but interested to know if anyone else is trying to lose the gadget reliance.

One other thing i gave up about 10 years ago was the GPS. Just use paper maps (sometimes i laminate them) or stereo photographic pairs and a compass now. That being said for way off the grid i do still have a Spot X that has GPS capability for emergency contact purposes.

I've gone the other way, refused to use technology for the last 10 years, then started hunting with a partner who uses cameras. I still don't use cameras on public land as I enjoy the exploration and learning aspect. As far as private land hunting, it's helped us to figure out how the land is used at different times of the year and adds to the excitement when the season comes around knowing that there are monsters lurking. I still have a printed aerial photo of the area I use for navigation supplemented by GPS.

Not a chance. I'm still way too giddy with excitement every time I come home with a pocket full of SD cards. I'd miss that way too much. And for deer, I enjoy trying to recognize bucks from year to year
Now you're making me wanna go check my mineral sites to see how 2023 velvetfest is coming along :D

Game cameras provide too much valuable information to ignore.

Where we are doing drives, it doesn't matter - but for standing hunting - why hunt a stand where there are no deer around. Sure you could go in and check for tracks/sign the old fashioned way, but if there are deer in the area, you've just alerted them to your presence.

GPS - sure paper maps could work as well- but you spend a bit of time keeping track of where you are on the map.

GPS tracker for dogs - invaluable....

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

GPS - sure paper maps could work as well- but you spend a bit of time keeping track of where you are on the map.

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yup when bird hunting easy to get turned around like the ability to whip out the gps at the end of the hunt and instantly get point in the right direction.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

GPS tracker for dogs - invaluable....

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Starting to lean towards one if Nova doesn't start to slow down. He's got legs and ranges a bit far for my likeing/comfort and a gps tracker would sure give me peace of mind.

I use 3 cell cameras, don't really need them as i know the bushes I hunt well enough to know where and when the deer or turkey will be there, but it is exciting to see the pictures when I'm not there and disappointing when I choose one spot and get a picture of a nice deer from one of the others when I'm in there, It all just fun

Always carry a compass, GPS/ phones are great but never rely on anything that takes batteries.

I bow hunt, I dont use game cameras, too much human intrusion, I find the best hunting is done in the first 1-2 sits and after that it tapers down quickly. The rut is an exception. Much better to scout in spring and leave the area alone until actualy hunting.

I still use game cameras but for me, it's almost more for a combination of security and entertainment.

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Originally Posted by Marker

Always carry a compass, GPS/ phones are great but never rely on anything that takes batteries.

I bow hunt, I dont use game cameras, too much human intrusion, I find the best hunting is done in the first 1-2 sits and after that it tapers down quickly. The rut is an exception. Much better to scout in spring and leave the area alone until actualy hunting.

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Too much intrusion? Use cell cams. Put the cams in in August and you don't show up again until opening day.

My neighbor put 3 up in the Ganaraska Forest to monitor game trails. All 3 grew feet and disappeared.