Moultrie Edge Solar
One of the dilemmas all deer hunters face is that they must encroach on their properties when doing preseason and in-season scouting. Of course, this leaves human scent behind, and there’s really nothing they can do to completely eliminate it. Plus, the disturbance of moving in and out of feeding and bedding areas puts deer on high alert. With a little luck, this will have a minimal impact on deer activity. However, if overdone, it can alter deer behavior — turning them nocturnal, or completely chasing them off the property. The answer, of course, is the implementation of trail cameras to replace, or at least minimize, boots-on-the-ground reconnaissance.
The evolution of trail cameras coincides with advancements in the technology that drives these incredible scouting machines. The first commercial models from the 1980s used an infrared beam that, when broken, would trigger the shutter on a 35mm camera and snap a picture. This was effective for obtaining high-quality images, but the film they used was costly, and the cameras were unreliable and had a huge appetite for batteries.
Today’s digital cameras are high-tech wonders. They are light and portable and can store thousands of photos. Armed with super-sensitive sensors, lightning-fast trigger speeds, infrared night vision and even wireless capabilities, cameras can now transmit photos and videos remotely to mobile devices. They are the bee’s knees for stealthy scouting and monitoring wildlife activity, without putting boots to the property.
While trail cameras are relatively inexpensive, hunters and land managers with large properties might purchase a dozen at a time. Do the math. That’s a sizable investment for them and a considerable profit opportunity for hunting retailers. One source estimates the global trail camera market at USD $101.7 million in 2022 and expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2030.
The trail camera is a valuable tool that enables users to determine deer demographics, trophy potential, movement patterns, daytime activity, etc. — all important factors for monitoring the deer herd on a property. Be sure to have a large inventory on hand so you won’t disappoint when deer spies drop by your store or click on your website requesting a dozen of your best — and most expensive — models. And thinking outside the box, don’t forget to stock those ancillary products that complete the deer scouting process — batteries, camera mounting options, rubber boots and gloves, scent elimination products, backpacks, etc. Here are eight trail cameras that your customers will want to consider.
Browning Defender Pro Scout Max HD AI
Step into the future of wildlife tracking with the 2025 Defender Pro Scout Max HD AI from Browning Trail Cameras ($149.99). This cutting-edge camera revolutionizes the scouting experience with AI image recognition software. Its Strike Force wireless app ensures unparalleled convenience, letting users access crystal-clear 46MP photos and 1080p HD videos in real time, no matter where they are. The camera’s ultra-high-gain antenna and pre-installed AT&T and Verizon SIM cards ensure reliable 4G LTE performance, even in remote locations. With a lightning-fast 0.25-second trigger speed, invisible 100-foot infrared illumination and Illuma-Smart technology for flawless night shots, no detail escapes the lens. From AI-driven insights to GPS-tagged images, the Defender Pro Scout is a hunter’s ultimate ally in the field.
Covert Scouting Cameras Interceptor Solar
Designed for hunters and land managers who demand superior performance and low-maintenance operation, the Interceptor Solar Scouting Camera from Covert ($219.99) combines all the advanced features of the Interceptor Pro with the power of the sun. Its integrated solar panel keeps it running for extended periods, even in harsh environments, making it a great tool for long-term scouting. Add to this its ability to transmit jaw-dropping 2K video in real time, and the Interceptor Solar tracks and analyzes wildlife with incredible clarity. Whether it’s capturing detailed movements or scouting over weeks or months, this camera is ready to perform. With the Covert Scouting Camera Interceptor Solar, users never have to worry about running out of power in the field.
Cuddeback CuddeLink L Zoom
The CuddeLink L Zoom IR Trail Camera from Cuddeback ($150) is equipped with a long-range Fresnel telephoto lens — ideal for food plot or field edge setups where animals are often much farther from the camera. The Zoom can also be used to monitor sensitive areas where the user does not want deer or other humans to spot the camera. Because the camera is reaching out farther, it is necessary to use the Power House Flash to deliver more illumination and extended nighttime range. CuddeLink wireless network technology allows users to remotely check their game cameras. They can either pull a single card from a home camera or deploy CuddeLink cell service to have images transmitted to them via email, mobile app or web browser.
Moultrie Edge Solar
Moultrie’s Edge Solar Trail Camera ($99.99) is equipped with a large solar panel that enables faster recharging — more photos and more videos without worrying about battery drain. In addition to its size, the integrated solar panel has turn and tilt capabilities. This allows users to dodge solar flares, delivering clear images. Moultrie also includes a rechargeable battery installed in the Edge Solar, making AA batteries a thing of the past. The Edge Solar is built on Moultrie’s popular Edge cellular camera platform. Key features include 40MP image resolution, 1080P video resolution, 0.4-second trigger speed, 100-foot flash and detection range, on-demand photo and video, auto connect, built-in memory and easy aim mount.
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Muddy Matrix 2.0 Cellular
Muddy has announced the introduction of the Matrix 2.0 ($99.99), a next-generation cellular trail camera engineered to elevate the way hunters scout, monitor and stay connected in the field — delivering unmatched reliability and performance via its cutting-edge features. With integrated Automatic Network Coverage, thanks to two pre-installed SIM cards, it automatically connects to the strongest available signal — whether it’s Verizon or AT&T — ensuring seamless, uninterrupted communication between the camera and mobile devices. When it’s paired with the Command Pro app, users can remotely access and manage the camera from anywhere, utilizing industry-exclusive features to view the 36MP high-resolution images and 1080P full HD video with audio, right from the palm of their hand.
Stealth Cam Revolver Pro 2.0
Featuring the same six-zone coverage, improved image sensor and enhanced photo/video capabilities as the original, the Revolver Pro 2.0 Trail Camera from Stealth Cam ($149.99) now adds a new and improved housing and dual-core processing to its long list of features, allowing the camera to perform flawlessly in the worst climates and simultaneously take and transmit images to mobile devices through the Command Pro app. Also available through the app is access to the recently released On Demand Live Stream functionality, so hunters can send a command to active Revolver Pro 2.0 devices. Other new additions to the Revolver Pro 2.0 include an expanded internal memory and free 4K ultra-HD image downloads.
Tactacam Reveal Ultra
The Reveal Ultra Trail Camera from Tactacam ($199.99) is packed with game-changing features. Live video streaming lets users watch the action in real time, while the new Active GPS continues to send coordinates to the app even after the camera loses power or is turned off — alerting the user if it’s moved more than a half-mile from its last location. The switchable flash allows the operator to adapt to a wider range of conditions and locations. Users also get the same features of the Pro 3.0: exceptional battery life, a user-friendly app, HD photos, on-demand videos, an optional SD card slot, an intuitive 2-inch LCD screen for faster setup, automatic carrier selection and a setup process that takes minutes.
Wildgame Innovations Terra XT 2.0
The latest addition to the Wildgame Innovations Terra Cell Trail Camera series, the Terra XT 2.0 ($59.99) features On Demand capabilities that set it apart. Through integration with the HuntSmart app, users can remotely prompt the camera to capture still images or videos and receive them within minutes on their mobile devices — no need to wait for the next scheduled upload. And, given it’s equipped with high-quality 24MP image resolution and 720P video recording, the Terra XT 2.0 delivers crystal-clear visuals both day and night. The Terra XT 2.0 delivers rapid access to information from the field as it’s happening. This simplifies camera management and enables hunters and property owners to make smarter decisions faster. www.wildgameinnovations.com
