Hey Mike: What are your thoughts on trail cameras with a regular flash versus IR flash? I use cams with IR flash and deer don't seem to be bothered by it. I've heard white flash will spook some deer, but I’ve seen lots of night pix where they haven't spooked. I can’t seem to get it out of my head that a monster buck may come by at night, take a white flash in the face and not want to come back to that spot. Thanks for your help, Scott
Scott, white flash definitely bothers some deer. Other animals, not so much, so it’s an inexact science. I ran your question by famed biologist and my friend Dr. Grant Woods, who has taken and analyzed as many cam pictures of whitetails as anyone in the world. Grant says:
“Most deer react more to white flash than the red flash of most infrared cameras. However, a high percentage of deer also react (at least notice) a red flash. In fact, I should note that the red flash from some units is much stronger than others; it gives a longer flash range, but it can also cause more disturbance to deer. (Remember that when buying a cam--MH)
“Some people will argue that deer don’t react to flash. I find this is true in areas where deer frequently eat at feeders and become conditioned to the flash – like Pavlov’s dogs.
“The astute observer will notice that deer react more to flash and camera noise (older film units made lots more noise that most digital cams) when the units are set on trails or near feeding—both places where deer tend to be on high-alert. (Remember that when placing your units--MH)
“For research these days, I’m using the newer cameras that don’t have any visible flash (white or red). I am getting gads of photos of deer that appear totally undisturbed. I also get more pictures of mature bucks trailing does or immature bucks. To me, these new camera units are worth the extra cost to capture data of old bucks for hunting or research.”
Wow, good stuff. Now please pitch in with your thoughts on cams and flash and stuff.