Do you think deer can sense trail cameras ?

[TonySoprano]

I'm not sure. Typically I only have a couple cameras out at waist height. The others are at least 6 foot , or 8 or 9 foot to be out of sight of trespassers.I bet the deer can smell when you been standing there checking cams. I usually drive to switch out SD cards on my Mule so not leave as much sent. I reach out for the low cameras or stand in the back to get the ones at 8 or 9 foot.

 

[Bill]

I believe they can. I also have pictures over the years of deer smelling me when I’ve been to a camera. For up to 3 days if it hasn’t rained.

 

[Bill]

Post in thread 'Trailcam pics'

Nov 2, 2025

Went to take down a limb that fell in front of a camera on November 30. 3 days later they can still smell me. Every deer since that got close has this reaction. Guess I need a shower this week

• Bill

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[The Fishman]

I have photos of deer all the time staring directly into the camera from 12-24 inches away. I am not sure if they see it or hear it, but they know it is there and like to investigate it.

 

[bigboreblr]

Does do not care. Been numerous bucks I see on cam looking at the camera, then never again.

Weird lights, a little noise like the oldest ones did swapping filters, spooks them.

I'm not a big camera guy, but on time to time I have used a chainsaw to cut a window in a taller stump and sneak it in there. Branch or Infront.

First tree by an open area, not a great idea. Put it back a tree or two.

I used to be fussy about placement when I wanted a buck. These days just enjoy what goes by. Often I like to see less common game. Moose, bobcats, marten, ermines.

 

[Catscratch]

Yes. I've watch buck skirt a camera. Also watched deer almost pose for them. Depends on the individual.

 

[Feelslikefar.]

My experience is the same with most mammals, some don't seem to care at all while others panic. Though most of my cameras are 10+ feet up. It's only in recent years that I got lazy, and care less if the non cell cameras get stolen, that I'm putting them down low.

Honestly, you have no idea if the deer are "avoiding" your cameras, or if there's just no deer going past them, or if they're just not triggering them. This time of year is very telling, I get so many photos where there's tracks in the snow, but I didn't get any pictures of whatever made the tracks.