2009.09.08
Objects in trailcam shots are closer than they appear
I got these two shots over the past couple of days from two different friends.
They remind me of one of Gary Larson's most memorable (to me) "Far Side" cartoons, the one with a huge eye (of a T. Rex, maybe?) visible in a car's side mirror, which had that common "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" notation.
The top shot was on public land in Botetourt County, the bottom one on private land in Franklin County. To be honest, I'm not sure what that critter is in the bottom shot. Anyone care to help?
Now that the deer feeding ban is in effect, hunters who want to get good scouting shots will need to put their cameras on trails and natural food sources. Acorns are already falling in some areas. From what I've seen in the little scouting I've done, the red oak acorn crop looks pretty good, but the white oaks don't look as good.
What are you guys seeing as far as mast?
Mark: Looks like a raccoon in both pictures. I bet he got an eyeful with the flash in the second one..............
I enjoy your column and the blog...We need more like you in the media....Keep up the good work....
--Paul, I can just imagine that poor raccoon wandering around blind!
The top shot is a confirmed bear. It's actually final of three shots he got of the same bear which, amazingly, didn't damage the camera as they so often do.
I appreciate the compliment, and sincerely thank you (and everyone else!) for reading me in the newspaper and online. mt
Comment by Paul Stanaland — September 8, 2009 @ 11:04 am
I've just learned that there is a cat wandering around the place where that second shot was taken. The more I look at it, the more I think it's a cat.
Comment by Mark Taylor — September 8, 2009 @ 1:13 pm
The top photo is a nice bear that wandered by one of my stand sites this past Saturday. I got two "normal" photos of him before he decided to come in close and check out the game-cam.
Comment by Ralph Barton — September 8, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
LOL Too funny!
I needed one of these camera's this weekend while camping at Douthat.....could have swore something was lurking around the camp site Sunday night!
Comment by J.R. — September 8, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
it's a cat alright ........ someone finally captured a photo giving clear cut evidence that there are mountain lions in Virginia!! Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
Comment by Dewey Knight — September 9, 2009 @ 7:31 am
The first one I thought was a dog and the second definitely looked a house cat, but what is it that makes bears attracted to trail cams any way??
The scent of something new? Curiosity? Or someone touching the camera after handling food?
Still I want to say my prayers goes out to the family of the 2 college students killed in Jefferson National Forest one can only wonder the evil that exists in a person heart to do such a horrible crime.
I have encountered people in the Forest near that spot as I've posted on this blog in past hunting seasons and this time I doubt I'll hunt that part or any part of Jefferson National Forest this season.
My God what's wrong with some people?!?
Comment by Backlash — September 9, 2009 @ 8:17 am