Cellular Trail Cameras: How They Work, Best Pick & Installation Tips

Are you looking for a cellular trail camera to make the coming hunting season remarkable?

Cellular trail cameras can help you monitor deer and other animals 24/7 without the need for you to step into hunting spots.

In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about trail cameras, including how they work, what features to look for when purchasing one, and how to install them.

How Do Cellular Trail Cameras Work?

Cellular trail cameras are those cameras that use 3G, 4G, 5G or other cellular network to transmit data, with the purpose to monitor the activities of wildlife in hunting spots.

These cellular hunting cameras require specific networks to transmit data. That is to say, you need cellular trail cameras data plans ( SIM cards for security cameras ) before application.

Most cellular game trail cameras are equipped with sensitive sensors for motion detection to capture every significant motion. Once motions are detected, cellular capable trail cameras record images and send immediate notifications to you by phones or emails.

Normally, these cameras are installed in outdoor environment. It will be impractical to use power adapters and route cables for power supply. As a result, cellular trail game cameras are mostly wireless and they are mainly battery-powered and solar-powered.

Keen ranger pt - 4G trail camera

Though usually trail cameras are applied in hunting spots, they can act as cellular trail cameras for security use after hunting seasons.

Land owners or leasers can continue to use these cameras to help safeguard lands and make in-time actions once break-ins, burglary or other illegal actions are detected.

What is a wildlife camera?

The wildlife camera, or trail camera, is a device designed for filming and photographing animals outdoors. When an animal passes by, it begins filming or photographing immediately. In some models, you can download the files wirelessly over Wi-Fi, while others allow you to save the images to a memory card that can be inserted into your computer.

Do Cellular Trail Cameras Require A Subscription?

The answer is YES because you need to pay subscription fees to enable your cellular trail camera to transmit data. Generally speaking, the cellular trail camera subscription fees costs $5 to $10 for every 1,000 photos. Cellular trail camera plans vary among different companies and depend on how much cloud storage or what service you want.

Traditional trail cameras come with a micro SD card (slot) for the purpose of storing images or videos locally. You don't have to pay any subscription fees with a large-capacity micro SD card. But the drawback is that you have to retrieve to the woods and get the micro SD card out before checking those images.

Cellular trail cameras make the story different. These wireless cellular game cameras become popular among hunters mainly because they save much time and energy by remotely transmitting images or videos to your phone.

However, to enjoy the convenience, you have to subscribe to a data plan at first. By paying the subscription fees monthly or yearly, you can easily access your trail camera photos anytime and anywhere.

Here's the list of trail camera cellular plans from renowned manufacturers:

Some manufacturers may offer a free data plan for the first month, such as Browning, Spypoint and Stealth Cam. Also, the monthly data plan would be cheaper if you pay for one year upfront.

Before purchasing a data plan, you'd better know how many photos your camera takes every month. You should also consider whether you put it in a high-traffic place. For example, a trail camera in the wild may take fewer pictures than that on a feeder. You can make an estimate and try a plan that can meet your needs as well as your budget.

Cellular Trail Camera Subscription Fees for Cloud Service (Optional)

Besides data plans, cloud storage may also cause additional subscription fees. Cloud storage is an optional service provided by some manufacturers. Once you store the data in the Cloud, you can always keep them safe and get access to the images inside even if your phone gets lost.

Some brands include cloud storage in their data plans. For example, all the data plans of Moultrie include unlimited cloud storage. But for others, you need to pay additional fees for cloud service.

For Stealth Cam, if you pay an additional $5 per month, you'll get 2 years of cloud storage.

Spypoint has special offers for their Insiders Club members. If you pay an additional $99.99 per year to be their member, you'll enjoy discounts on their data plans and benefits including 12 months of photo history for transmitted photos.

The cloud storage service mentioned above is made to go with the data plans. Apart from that, some other manufacturers offer an independent cloud platform to store photos and videos, which applies to all their cameras including cellular trail cameras.

For example, the great camera brand Reolink provides 4 kinds of plans:

All these plans of Reolink Cloud come at an affordable price and suit different needs. If you'd like to customize your personal subscription fees, you can purchase a data plan and cloud service plan separately according to your budget and expectation.

How to Choose the Best Trail Camera?

In this part, we will point out the key features of top cellular game trail cameras and also guide you how to choose the best cellular trail camera for the money.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is the most important feature to ensure that cellular hunting cameras function as usual under different weather conditions.

You shall pay attention to IP ratings referring to solids and water tightness. Cellular game trail cameras with IP65 or higher ratings are good to work in outdoor environment.

For better waterproof protections, you can add water-resistant protective skins to your cellular capable trail cameras.

The best cellular trail cameras are supposed and designed to last long. You can pick cellular game cameras for sale that are made of high quality materials and enjoy longer warranty periods.

Night Vision of Cellular Game Trail Cameras

Night vision trail cameras are an excellent tool for tracking animals such as deer, foxes, and rabbits after dark. If you've always wanted to observe what's going on in your yard or fields at night, or if you're a hobbyist photographer looking to capture images of the numerous nocturnal critters out there, a nightvision cellular trial camera might be ideal for you.

Mind that most cellular trail cameras equipped with 850nm wavelength give off conspicuous red glow when working at night.

If you want no glow cellular trail cameras, which are preferred by most hunters, you can disable the IR function in settings on your phones or Apps. (Note that some cheap cellular trail cameras may not allow you to do so).

Cellular Signal for Wireless Cellular Trail Cameras

Before purchasing trail cameras with cellular, you need to consider about cellular signal from following two aspects.

#1. Check out the mobile service provides that your cellular trail cameras can work with.

When selecting cellular trail cameras for sale, you need to confirm the carriers that they work with in product pages.

If there are two or more operators working in your locations, choose those wireless cellular trail cameras that work with operators providing the strongest signals.

One thing to be mentioned is that you do not have to unify carriers for 3G cellular trail cameras and your phones. Cellular capable trail cameras can send notifications to your cell phones successfully even under different carriers.

#2. Decide cellular trail camera data plans before use.

Cellular enabled trail cameras data plans are required for data transmission. You may go to local mobile service operators and ask them about data plans that meet your needs.

Keep in mind that if your 4G cellular trail cameras are triggered frequently by insignificant events, they can send numerous useless images and videos to your phones or PCs, which will accelerate data consumption of your cellular trail camera plans.

Therefore, you can adjust sensitivity of cellular trail cameras’ sensors and detection range to avoid false alarms from cellular hunting cameras and much data consumption.

Battery Life of Trail Cameras with Cellular

Many of you may bother yourselves with short battery life of cellular game trail cameras. To ease your concerns, we offer you three shortcuts to extend battery life below.

1. Check whether your cellular hunting cameras come with alkaline or lithium batteries.

Alkaline batteries are affordable and good for daily use. Lithium batteries can last up to four times longer and function well under extreme cold or hot climates when alkaline batteries cease to function.

2. Adjust sensitivity of your cellular trail cameras’ sensors.

If your cellular game cameras are triggered by insignificant events, they cost much power and will catch a bunch of not important images and videos.

By adjusting sensitivity of sensors, you save power and receive less insignificant notifications and images.

3. Use rechargeable batteries or solar charging for cellular enabled trail cameras.

You can recharge batteries with normal power adapters or DIY cellular trail cameras with solar panels for continuous power. They are budget and environmental-friendly choices.

Notifications

Cellular trail cameras with APPs on mobile devices or clients on PCs are able to send you immediate notifications once they capture motions and special events. Then, as hunters or property owners, you can make in-time actions.

Moreover, if you have remote access to your wild game cameras, you can view live stream on your devices without leaving your scents and spook animals around feeders and your ideal hunting spots.

Storage Options of Trail Cameras with Cellular

There are two mainly storage ways of cellular trail cameras: local storage and cloud storage.

Cellular wildlife game cameras with micro SD cards (slot) store locally all recorded images and videos without subscription fees. You can view those images and videos remotely via phones.

With cloud service of cellular trail cameras, all recorded images and videos can be uploaded to the cloud and you do not need to worry about data damages and losing. You can view recorded images and videos at any time, from anywhere.

Best Cellular Trail Camera Recommendation

In this coming section, we will test 3 best pick of cellular trail cameras with comprehensive reviews.

Reolink Go Plus

• Power Supply: Reolink Go Plus comes with a rechargeable battery for power supply. Of course, you can add a solar panel to it for non-stop power and transform Reolink Go Plus into a cellular solar trail camera.
• Water Resistance: This cellular trail camera enjoys a waterproof level of IP65 and it is good to work in outdoor environment.
• Video Performance: Reolink Go Plus sees incredible clear details with 2K 4MP Super HD and captures small details at night with outstanding night vision. It covers a field of view of 120⁰ which helps capture events of a wide range.
• Notifications: This wireless cellular trail camera sends real-time alerts to your devices when motion events are detected and you can make in-time action. Reolink Go Plus also offers customized voice-recordable alerts, which is a big shining point. It allows you to record your alert message and customize the camera with your own desired voice alert.
• Storage Options: This cellular trail camera comes with micro SD card slot. In addition, Reolink Go Plus is compatible with Reolink Cloud and all recorded images can be uploaded to the cloud.

Here is a video sample shared by a real Reolink Go Plus user.

To make a conclusion, Reolink Go Plus, with extraordinary features, is one of the best cellular trail cameras.

If you own a larger remote property or want to enjoy an expansive view from the cellular trial security camera over your farm, Reolink Go PT Plus, a pan-tilt solar-powered 4G camera will be an ideal option.

Reolink Argus Track

Argus Track presents an advanced surveillance solution with its 4K dual-lens technology, enabling ultra-high-definition video capture. Its versatile functionality includes pan, tilt, and 6X hybrid zoom capabilities, granting users remote control over the camera's view. With auto-zoom tracking, the camera intelligently adjusts its zoom level to keep moving subjects in focus, ensuring continuous monitoring without manual intervention.

Additionally, the color night vision feature enhances visibility in low-light conditions, providing clear footage round the clock.

Reolink Go PT Ultra

Reolink Go PT Ultra is a top-tier wirelss camera designed for superior surveillance. Its 4K 8MP Ultra HD resolution ensures crisp and clear images, capturing every detail with precision. With wireless battery and solar power options, installation is a breeze, providing flexibility in camera placement without the need for wiring.

Equipped with smart detection features, including motion and sound alerts, Reolink Go PT Ultra keeps you informed of any activity in real-time. Its 355° pan and 140° tilt capabilities offer extensive coverage, minimizing blind spots, while the color night vision technology ensures vivid footage even in low-light conditions.

Applications of Wireless Trail Camera

Watch your garden

Trail cameras are a great way to watch your garden and see what types of animals are coming in. By having a camera set up, you can get an idea of what kind of animals are in the area and how they're interacting with your plants. This can help you determine what kind of plants or repellents you might need to keep the animals out of your garden.

Home security

Trail cameras can be used for home security surveillance because they have features that make them suitable for the job. These features include a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor or heat sensor, which detects relative temperature changes or moving objects, respectively.

Hunting

Hunters employ wireless trail cameras to monitor game movement patterns and identify frequently used trails, enabling them to understand the habits of target species better. By scouting the best hunting spots through camera footage, hunters can plan their expeditions more effectively.

Farm and Livestock Management

Farmers and ranchers use wireless trail cameras to keep an eye on livestock, particularly during critical periods such as calving or lambing seasons. These cameras help monitor for predators and ensure the safety of animals.

Tips for Cellular Game Trail Cameras Installation

Here are two tips on installing cellular trail cameras in an outdoor and natural environment for you.

1. Do Not Face Your Solar-Powered Cellular Trail Cameras Directly Towards the Sun

Some of you may install cellular game trail cameras with solar panels toward the sun. We would like to remind you that solar panels work once they are exposed to light but not necessarily sunlight.

If your cellular game trail cameras are faced directly to the sun, they will capture only over-exposed images. For better image results, you need to adjust the direction of your cameras.

2. Consider About Weather and Other Natural Factors When Installing Cellular Trail Cameras

Some locations have regular wind direction patterns. If you are living in places where west wind prevails, avoid installing your cellular wildlife game cameras towards the west. It helps reduce the possibility that your trail cameras with cellular become vague by rain or snow.

Meanwhile, it is a wiser choice to install cellular trail cameras on bigger trees or bases far away from bushes. Bushes can grow really fast and may cover your lens soon after installation. Dense branches also interrupt data transmission of your cellular enabled trail cameras.

3. Using a cellular trail camera legally

Trail cameras have become popular tools among hunters, but their use varies from state to state. In Utah, for example, it is illegal to use trail cameras for big game hunting. However, in California it is legal to use trail cameras during the hunting season.

You can legally use trail cameras in any public environment where there is no expectation of privacy. This means that they are not illegal in public areas. On someone else's private property, your camera will cause some intrusion—so make sure it's okay with them before you take their pictures!

Check out our full guide to the trail camera laws.

FAQs

1. How to mount a cellular trail camera?

Mounting a trail camera can be done in a number of ways, but the most common is to use a strap that goes around the tree trunk. The camera is then attached to the strap with a clip or screw. Another way to mount the camera is to use a mounting stick, which is inserted into the ground next to the tree. The camera is then attached to the stick with a clip or screw.

Check out our full guide to how to mount a trail camera.

2. How to prevent cellular trail cameras been stolen?

The most common way to prevent your trail camera from being stolen is to lock it up with a cable or python lock. This will make it difficult for anyone to take it away without the key. You can also place your camera high on a tree so that animals or humans cannot reach it. Another way to camouflage your trail camera is to paint the strap to match the tree bark. This will help to conceal it from view. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of your camera being stolen.

Check out our full guide to how to prevent trail camera been stolen.

3. How to hide your cellular trail camera?

When you're using a trail camera, it's important to hide it well. There are several ways to do this. One way is to use a decoy camera. This is a camera that looks like the real thing, but doesn't actually take any pictures. Poachers will be drawn to the decoy camera, while your real camera remains hidden.

Another way to hide your camera is to use fake rocks, stumps or leaves. You can also use vines, branches or a bird's nest. Most trail cameras come with camouflage paint to help them blend in with their surroundings.

Check out our full guide to how to hide your trail camera.

4. Are cellular trail cameras worth it?

Whether you're considering a cellular game trail camera to monitor your favorite hunting spot, enhance wildlife management, or secure your home, the benefits of these devices are clear. They save you time and money, keep you informed with real-time updates, and operate with minimal disruption to their surroundings.

5. Can a trail camera send pictures to phone?

Most cellular trail cameras transmit photos to your smartphone through a dedicated app that you download. By enabling notifications, you receive instant alerts whenever the camera is triggered. You can then open the app to view what has activated the camera.

Conclusion

Cellular trail cameras offer a convenient and efficient way to monitor wildlife and enhance security in outdoor settings. By leveraging cellular networks, these cameras enable real-time access to images and videos, eliminating the need for manual retrieval of data.