The recent advances in trail camera technology are incredible. Today’s trail cameras feature cellular capability, 20-plus megapixel image output, rapid-fire multiple image capture and video with audio capture, to mention a few.
Additionally, the majority of manufacturers now offer users ancillary apps. In many cases, mobile app software is capable of filtering and categorizing images automatically, and at the same time, providing user notification when an image or video is captured. Users also have the ability to adjust camera settings, check battery levels, share images and much more, remotely, via the same app or web interface.
The following provides a few marketing tips to aid in the trail camera selling process. It also highlights several trail cameras that capture the breadth and depth of features found within the current market.
Keep Staff Trained
Keeping up to date with current technology — trail cameras included — is a challenge. Still, a well-informed salesperson is better suited to make a sale. For best results, train staff to be comfortable discussing trail cam features, especially the stocked models in your retail space.
There are several methods to train staff. Manufacturer representatives are an excellent source of information. Additionally, manufacturer websites offer a general overview of its trail camera’s features. The best resource may be YouTube, however. Make time for staff to explore informative videos provided by manufacturers, pro staff, end-users and other experts.
Stock a Selection
As with most products, another challenge is knowing how many makes and models of each product line to keep on hand. Any stocking-level decision should account for the store’s size and traffic. Study your past sales transactions to assist in making an informed decision.
Most importantly, consider price points and available features when making inventory decisions. Knowing the feature set that local consumers are looking for is invaluable. And although trail cam technology is advancing rapidly, prices have fallen, and manufacturers offer several products with a range of price points.
Blow ‘Em Out
As the year progresses, consider having a trail cam sale or two. Prime times are as the hunting season approaches and times leading up to a significant holiday. Before conducting special sales, examine your current inventory. Bundle lower-performing makes and models with complementary accessories to provide valuable packages.
Hot-selling bundling items include but are not limited to SD cards, locks, minerals, food plot seed, bait (where legal) and even treestands and ground blinds. During spring, try bundling a popular trail camera with a mineral and food plot seed product. Alternatively, during fall, bundle a popular trail camera with a treestand and safety harness. Be creative, use known facts about the local foot traffic to combine products for bundling throughout the year.
Bushnell CelluCore A30 and V30
“Bushnell CelluCORE cellular trail cameras are feature-rich and easy to use.”
Bushnell’s CelluCORE A30 (AT&T) and V30 (Verizon) cellular trail cameras are easy on the wallet and easy to use. They connect, receive and sort high-quality images faster and hold up with rugged reliability season after season. You’ll get clear day and night photos sent right your devices. Data plans start at $10 based on usage. No contracts; start and stop at any time. CelluCORE cams capture 1080p 30fps video with audio and 30-megapixel images. The camera features a fast trigger speed, as well as 100-foot night range. The CelluCORE trail cam is backed by a two-year limited warranty.
Top Features:
- 1080p 30fps video w/audio
- 30-megapixel images
- 0.2 second trigger speed
- No Glow high-output IR LED flash
- 100-foot night range
- MSRP: $249
- CONTACT: www.bushnell.com
Covert WC30
“Delivering more for the money, the WC30 continues Covert’s position as an industry leader with more features, better connection and higher resolution in a simple-to-use format.”
The Covert WC30 functions reliably on either the AT&T or Verizon wireless network. The camera is compact, measuring 5.7 inches H x 4.5 inches W x 3.2 inches D. The WC30 includes a security port and tripod mount, perfect for Covert’s line of trail camera mounting products. The camera is capable of capturing both images and video. Covert wireless data plans start at just $4.99 per month for up to 100 images. Covert offers tiered service packages up to an unlimited annual subscription for $239.88/annually.
Top Features:
- 2.4-inch color viewing screen
- 0.2 second trigger speed
- 1 to 10 turbo shot burst mode
- 100-foot flash range
- Cellular-capable via AT&T or Verizon
- MSRP: $169.99
- CONTACT: www.covertscoutingcameras.com
Cuddeback CuddeLink Cell Trail Camera
"The CuddeLink Cell exceeds the performance of other cellular trail cameras. Cell service starts at $10 per month."
In Cell Mode 1, Cuddeback’s CuddeLink Cell operates as an independent cellular trail camera, featuring LTE service, .25-second trigger speed, long battery life and crisp, clear 20MP images. Cell service starts at just $10 per month. But it is in Cell Mode 2 where this camera really excels, utilizing CuddeLink technology to allow up to 24 linked cameras sharing one $10 per month cell plan (750 images per month), instead of paying for multiple plans that can add up to more than $100 per month. An unlimited image plan is available for $30 per month. The CuddeLink Cell utilizes a Low Glow IR flash with a range of 100-plus feet and is available in AT&T and Verizon models.
Top Features:
- 20-megapixel sensor
- 0.25-second trigger speed
- 56 850nm LED flash system
- Low-glow IR flash
- 100-plus feet flash range
- MSRP: $199.99
- CONTACT: www.cuddeback.com
Moultrie Delta
“Moultrie Mobile’s newest cellular trail camera, the Delta, is loaded with advanced technology engineered to enhance performance and function.”
The Delta captures 32-megapixel images with its new HDR (High Dynamic Range) with incredible image enhancement that provides more detailed and realistic-looking images. With up to 50% improved battery life than previous models, the Moultrie Delta keeps hunters connected longer without a trip into the field. Its cellular capabilities work on either the Verizon 4G or AT&T 4G networks. The Moultrie Mobile app and website offer FREE Species Recognition software for users.
Top Features:
- 32-megapixel sensor
- 0.35 second trigger speed
- Illumi-Night 3 Sensor and 80-foot invisible flash
- GPS tracking for theft recovery
- Adaptive Trigger for optimal trigger sensitivity
- MSRP: $99.99
- CONTACT: www.moultriemobile.com
Reconyx Hyperfire 2
“Now, cellular-enabled, allowing users to receive images from your camera almost anywhere in the world through our Mobile App for Android or iOS.”
Made in the USA, the Hyperfire 2 is cellular-capable and features a five-year warranty. The Hyperfire 2 can be paired with either the Verizon or AT&T networks. Cost-effective data plans directly through Reconyx start at $5/month without a long-term contract requirement. The Reconyx mobile app allows users to create a custom cellular plan, manage images, check statuses and change camera settings remotely.
Top Features:
- 5-year warranty
- 0.2-second trigger speed
- Up to 512GB memory card storage
- 720P HD video with audio
- 150-foot flash range
- MSRP: $599.99
- CONTACT: www.reconyx.com
Spypoint Link-S-Dark
“The Link-S-Dark offers hunters all the scouting information they could hope for while doing more to limit intrusion than any other trail camera before it.”
The Link-S-Dark is powered by an integrated solar panel and lithium battery technology. This feature extends battery life. Its Hybrid Illumination Technology (HIT) flash system allows users to choose from multiple flash settings. The Link-S-Dark features one of the fastest trigger speed available, .07 seconds. Cellular activation is simple and can be completed in minutes, from the comfort of home.
Top Features:
- 0.07-second trigger speed
- 80-foot flash range
- 100-foot detection range
- Integrated solar panel
- Photo, multi-shot, time-lapse and HD video modes
- MSRP: $299.99
- CONTACT: www.spypoint.com
Browning Defender Ridgeline
“This innovative camera has both AT&T and Verizon technology installed, allowing users to simply purchase the Ridgeline without having to decide between two models.”
Browning’s new Defender Ridgeline cell camera works with either AT&T or Verizon, and transmits both HD images and video clips. Users can customize invisible IR flash settings (up to 90 feet), detection ranges (up to 80 feet) and trigger speeds (.135 to .7 seconds), and even create and manage folders for organizing images and videos using the Strike Force Wireless Management system.
Top Features:
- 1920 x 1080 FHD video w/sound
- 20-megapixel images
- 90-foot IR flash range
- 0.135 to 0.7-second trigger speed
- Dual Carrier Technology (AT&T and Verizon)
- MSRP: $219.99
- CONTACT: www.browningtrailcameras.com
Wildgame Innovations Insite Cell
“The all-new Insite Cell trail camera lets you take your favorite hunting spot with you wherever you go by pairing with your cell phone to send automatic photo updates anytime, anywhere.”
The Insite Cell allows remote camera access so users can view images from the comfort of their home. Additionally, the camera integrates with the HuntSmart app. The Insite Cell features several proprietary premium upgrades, including Adaptive Illumination, invisible Lightsout illumination and boasts its 32-megapixel images. The Insite Cell works on any network nationwide.
Top Features:
- Exposure Control
- Adaptive Illumination
- 32-megapixel images
- 100-foot flash range
- Less than half-second trigger speed
- MSRP: $199.99
- CONTACT: www.wildgameinnovations.com
Final Thoughts
While the complexity of technologies in the trail camera market can be daunting, stocking the right cameras at the right levels can prove to be highly rewarding. Conduct a little research to find the best subset of trail cameras for your locale. Then, make the most of your sales and marketing strategy to maximize results.
Sidebar: Must-Have Trail Camera Accessories
To complete your trail camera inventory, don’t forget these accessory items to increase sales opportunities:
- SD cards
- SD card carriers
- Bear-safe containers
- Padlocks and cable locks
- Batteries
- Solar powering units
- Mounting brackets
- Image viewers
