CA Trail Cams

jace · Feb 6, 2018

I just bought my first set of trail cameras. I have 5 of them and I have a few different hunting spots I want to check out. I am wondering if it is more beneficial to set up all 5 within the same hunting area. Or put 1 or 2 at each different spot I am interested in. The few spots I have mapped out are all a few hours away from each other. Also, is it illegal to put out deer nutrients like critter lick out in front of your cameras in CA? I haven't been able to find any rules or regulations about that. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

eelgrass · Feb 6, 2018

I don't think it's illegal to feed deer but it's illegal to hunt deer over bait. And most of the people I know who feed deer to attract them to cameras just end up feeding the deer to mountain lions. When your camera shows a mountain lion, that's what happened. I'd move my cameras and feed spots often.

Hiker of the Woods · Feb 6, 2018

It is legal if you remove everything(feed, bait...) at least 10 days before hunting that area or at least 400yds away.

If all your spots are a few hours away from each other then I would start with one spot and put all your tcams in that area. When your ready to move then take them all to your next spot. That is what I do anyways. Higher chance or catching a big buck or bull when you cover more trails in one location.

Homer · Feb 6, 2018

It is not legal to feed any big game animal in Cailifornia.....ever.

eelgrass · Feb 9, 2018

?251.3. Prohibition Against Feeding Big Game Mammals.
No person shall knowingly feed big game mammals, as defined in Section 350 of these regulations.

http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx#251_3