WOW! GREAT TOPIC
So many variables. Here is what I do for deer. You can put the odds in your favor by doing a little scouting. Using maps or common knowledge to locate watering holes, food sources, and bedding areas. After all, we are trying to establish where the travel routes are between these areas. I always stay out of a bedding area.
When I check out a new area, tree claim/shelter belt, I try to walk my way around the outside by placing a camera every 200+ yards (in vision a corn field or grassy area outside the trees). Set the cameras on " 15 minute time lapse" for 1/2 hour before sunrise for a 2 hour period; then again for a 2 hour period just before sundown + 1/2 hour afterwards. Let the cameras work for 3 days. Then move them to another side and do the same thing for three days. Eventually working around the entire property. Hopefully this will show us where the critters prefer to travel. When you locate a preferred spot, put a camera closer, 20 yards or so, still using a time lapse setting and the normal motion mode. Then you can see what type/size of critter is in the area. Once you locate a buck you want to work, just use the normal motion detect mode. I check these cameras weekly. If you only have a short time to hunt, these times would have to be modified.
When moving the cameras in close, I use good scent control. Just like when hunting. Be mindful of the wind and spray down. I use rubber gloves when handling the cameras. Spend as little time and commotion around the camera as you can. I only use cameras that you can change out SD cards. Avoiding spending to much time in the area trying to view the pics on the camera.
If a mature deer "makes/sees a camera", it normally will not walk in front of it again. I've spun the camera around to the back side of the tree and caught the same animal again 10 yards or so out. Same goes for elk. The critters will use the same route, just walk around your camera.
Most cameras will take the best photos when pointed in a north/south direction. This is due to the sunrise/sunset washing out the photo. You will still get some pics you can see and it will work 1/2 of the day when you have to point them at the sun. If you have livestock in the area, the camera must be mounted high enough so they don't destroy it. The only thing you can't control is the human element. If they want to trespass and steal a camera it's hard to stop. I've used a second camera mounted up high to catch people trespassing.
