Motion-activated trail cameras are one of today’s best deer hunting tools and,  like women’s shoes, you can never have enough. The newest cameras allow you to know what’s happening near your favorite stand — in that remote patch of timber where deer sign consistently shows up — and can perform important security functions. Is someone hunting your stand, trespassing on your property, even sneaking out at night? There’s a trail camera that will work night or day, near or far, and shoot stills or video so that you always know what’s happening. Even if you already have a camera, here’s why you definitely need another one.

Bird-Bath-1[1]If you’re a parent, you may dread the annual science fair project assignment and rack your brain trying to figure out a cool experiment to avoid the dreaded baking-soda volcano. Post dad’s new trail camera on a tripod near a bird bath or feeder where you can test all of its functions prior to the deer season. Next, devise some interesting questions: Which birds drink first in the morning, or eat most frequently? How long is the average robin bath? Which take longer baths, mature robins or youngsters? Kids will have lots of questions. Keep a record of which does what and suddenly you have a host of scientific data that’s sure to win a blue ribbon and have the whole gang totally involved. I’m currently testing the Crush Cam 8, an eight mega-pixel model from Wildgame Innovations that has a 65-foot infrared flash range and shoots HD video. It will be available soon; keep an eye on the Wildgame Innovations website for details on its upcoming release.