Should You Put Bait in Front of Your Trail Camera?

January 21, 2025 ︱ By Willfine

Using bait in front of your trail camera is a common practice for attracting wildlife, but is it always the best strategy? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of baiting and explore other effective ways to capture your target animals without relying on bait.

Should You Put Bait in Front of Your Trail Camera?

While bait can undoubtedly attract animals to your trail camera, it’s important to consider the ethical implications and the potential limitations of using it. Bait can alter natural behaviors and might attract non-target animals, which could clutter your footage and give you inaccurate data. Additionally, some areas may have regulations restricting the use of bait for wildlife monitoring.

What to Put

If you decide to use bait, choose something that aligns with the animals you’re targeting. Make sure the bait is placed in a way that allows for clear, unobstructed camera shots. Here’s a breakdown of different baits that attract various animals.

Deer

Corn is a go-to choice for attracting deer. It’s inexpensive and highly attractive to them. If you want to increase your chances, mix in apples, molasses, or even alfalfa pellets. These food sources are especially enticing during the fall when deer are preparing for the winter months. You can also use deer attractant scents like urine or dough-based lures to help bring them in.

Bears

Bears are drawn to sweet, high-calorie food sources. Peanut butter, honey, or anything with sugar content works well. You can spread peanut butter on tree trunks or place honeycomb jars near the camera. This tactic can not only bring bears in but also give you a close-up shot of them feeding.

Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys are drawn to grains, and cracked corn is a favorite. Additionally, adding oats or wheat can increase their interest. Turkeys tend to roam large areas, so placing bait along known roosting or feeding grounds will boost your chances.

Squirrels & Rabbits

These smaller mammals are often attracted to a wide range of plant-based baits. Nut mixtures (such as sunflower seeds or peanuts) are particularly effective for squirrels. Carrots, apples, and leafy greens work well for rabbits. A mix of these can keep them coming back to the camera.

Coyotes & Predators

While these animals are more cautious, they can still be attracted with the right bait. Use meat-based baits like chicken, fish, or even beef jerky. Coyote-specific attractants, like their scent or decoys, can help bring them to the camera without relying on food alone.

While baiting is effective for attracting specific animals, it’s important to remember the legal and ethical implications in your area. Always make sure to follow local regulations to ensure that you’re setting up in a responsible manner.

Get Target Animals on Your Trail Cam (Without Bait)

While baiting can be effective, there are other natural ways to attract wildlife to your trail camera without influencing animal behavior with food. Here are some effective methods to capture those elusive creatures:

Use Natural Wildlife Trails

Animals follow well-worn paths, such as game trails, where they feel safe and familiar. Placing your camera along these trails, or near water sources, can help you capture wildlife naturally moving about without the need for bait. These paths often lead to feeding, resting, or mating grounds, increasing your chances of a good shot.

Scents and Lures

Animal-specific scents can draw in your target species without the need for food. For example, using deer urine, estrus scents, or pheromones can attract animals, like deer or turkeys, without affecting their natural behavior. These scents can trigger the animals’ instincts and guide them to your camera, providing high-quality images without baiting.

Explore Habitat Features

Set up your trail camera in areas with high wildlife activity, such as dense thickets, marshes, or near natural feeding zones like berry patches, acorn-producing trees, or other vegetation that animals love. Waterholes and popular watering spots are also excellent places to set up your camera, as wildlife frequent these areas regularly to drink.

Final Thoughts

While bait can attract animals, it’s not always the best approach. Consider using natural trails, animal scents, or habitat features to capture authentic wildlife behavior. Sometimes, a more natural approach yields the best results without influencing the animals’ natural patterns.