IR or conventional flash ?

[Pat B.]

I'm wanting to buy a couple of trail cams...

Are the IR models more desirable that the conventional flash models?  I assume the flash models will spook game to some degree but they seem to have a longer range, ie; 45' vs. 30' ..

What are you guys having the best luck with..

Appreciate any help.

[Widowbender]

I have both, although I like the Infrared better, I can offer no proof that Flash spooks deer...

David

[JC]

I have seen just as many deer staring at my IR cameras as the flash...and just as many "spooking" from either (though not often).

I like the flash models because they are considerably cheaper and that allows me to buy more cameras. If you are interested in a recommendation, vote for the $100 moultrie d40...I've got 4 and asked for more for christmas (that's all that's on my list).

[Pat B.]

Thanks JC, that sounds like a bargin compared to some of the others.. Is the "trigger time" quick enough to get pic's of what you want ?

[trapperDave]

yes, I too have, love and recommend the Moultrie D40

[Scott J. Williams]

If you set your flash near any feeding stations that  are "photo-cell" the game learns quick that when ever they move near the camera, the flash will signal that the feeder is going to go off.

I will post them shortly, but I have photos of a number of hogs, and deer deliberately setting off the flash to feed.  It cost me about sixty dollars before I could correct the problem...LOL

So the moral of the story is, not to set them near photo cell feeders, change the spinner motor(which I did), or go IR...spooking is not a problem.  Where you might want to choose IR is where you have people moving through the woods who might see the flash, and decide that they might want to take you camera.  It happens......

[Benjy]

I have an IR camera. I bought it so I could use it as surveillance around my house when not in use in the woods. I use the video mode more than the picture mode so I can see their reaction to the camera. Alot of the deer in my area are spooked by my cameras flash, but my friend uses his in Ohio and very few are spooked. You just have to experiment to see how your deer respond. My friend has the Moultrie D40's also.

[metsastaja]

I am a lot less annoyed when my 100 dollar cameras fail the when my 400 dollar cammera fail.  I have more problems with the expensive IR cameras then I do with the cheap ones.  I like my bushnell Ir its ok but my cuddeback has been a real pain. They still have not fixed the problem with water and bugs getting into the housing.

[Widowbender]

For bugs in the housing a little permanone will take care of the problem...

David

[Deadbolt]

IR are no different than regular when it comes to game...great to keep em from getting stolen but thats about it.  The noise is what scares em...ive seen it several times from my stand as deer approach the camera.