By Mike Willis
The security of your equipment is a huge challenge when mounting trail cameras. Unfortunately, critters are not the only things lurking in our woods. Many trail cameras get ripped off every year, leaving people high and dry on their investments.
With the cost of trail cameras climbing annually, very few people can afford to gamble by leaving their equipment unsecured. For years I have used a regular locking cable to attach my cameras to trees. During bear season, my camera is also mounted in a steel, crush-proof enclosure. These methods have proven to be very effective in past years.
Most ill-intentioned passersby do not hike around with the tools necessary to steal a locked trail camera. When someone has discovered the location of your equipment, remoteness works in your favor. The chances are that it won’t be worth their time to return.
I have had a few occasions when I have forgotten my cable lock. I remember feeling sick as I strapped my camera to the tree. I knew that there was a small likelihood of someone finding my equipment, but the thought of someone stealing my stuff was unsettling.
About two years ago, I was at an outdoor industry trade show. While strolling down the aisles, I locked eyes on a new product that I immediately knew was a great idea. SpyHigh is a company that manufactures a trail camera mounting system that allows you to place cameras up in trees and well out of sight and reach.
What’s Included?
The mounting system is comprised of the following components:
1) Multi-section telescoping poles
2) Auger-mounted base
3) Quick attach/ detach camera mount
4) Laser pointer for confirming the picture/ video angles
The Installation Process
Using the telescoping pole system, you thread the base into the tree. Next, you attach the camera to the camera mount. Using the pole system, you clip the camera (attached to the camera mount) into the base. Using the provided laser pointer, you can verify the direction that your trail camera is facing to ensure the perfect picture.
The Takeaway
This ingenious design allows you to place cameras well out of sight, ensuring that no one will ever know that you were there. In addition to the security advantages of this mounting system, you are also able to get some incredible photo angles that were not previously possible. For those who are interested in creating an inconspicuous security camera system, this product may be just right for you!
While lugging the poles around is a bit of a pain, they do collapse down to a packable size. The manufacturer was smart enough to include a saw attachment to offset the burden of carrying additional weight. When hunting out of your tree stand, you will now be equipped to limb those nuisance branches and clear valuable shooting lanes.
Purchasing Your Own SpyHigh Mounting System
The mounting system is universal and will fit most trail cameras. The poles allow you to mount your camera up to 14’ in the air, and the complete mounting system is available for $199.99. While the price may initially seem excessive, it quickly gains value as you consider the cost of losing valuable cameras.
To learn more about SpyHigh products or to purchase a camera mounting system of your own, visit https://www.spyhighmounts.com
