Timing for Setting Up Trail Cameras for Blacktails?

Pre-Rutting Season Setup

When setting up trail cameras for blacktail deer in Oregon, it’s essential to consider the timing of the pre-rutting season. Typically, this period starts in mid-September and lasts for about 2 weeks. During this time, bucks begin to establish their dominance and start to move around more frequently, making them easier to detect. Set up your trail cameras in areas with high deer activity, such as along game trails, near food sources, and in areas with suitable bedding cover.

Rutting Season Setup

Once the rutting season kicks in, typically in mid-October to early November, adjust your trail camera settings to capture images at night and during the day. This is because bucks are more active at night during this period, and setting your cameras to capture images in low-light conditions will increase the chances of capturing these nocturnal movements. Use a camera with a high-quality low-light sensor and set the shutter speed to at least 1/30th of a second to ensure clear images.

Post-Rutting Season Setup

After the rutting season, which usually lasts for about 2-3 weeks, bucks will start to return to their normal patterns, and the camera will capture images of them feeding and moving around during the day. This is an excellent opportunity to adjust your camera settings to capture images during the day, using a slightly faster shutter speed to freeze the movement of the deer. This will help you gather more information about the deer’s behavior, habitat use, and movements during the post-rutting season.