Thinking about cellular trail cameras for an unforgettable hunting season?

With cellular-capable trail cameras, tracking deer & other wildlife is possible 24/7—no need to step into hunting areas.

Before buying, take a moment to go through this guide. Learn how these cameras function, pick one that suits your needs & check out installation tips to get started.

How Cellular Trail Cameras Work

Cellular trail cameras use 3G, 4G, 5G, or other mobile networks for data transmission. Their main role? Monitoring wildlife activity in hunting locations.

These cellular hunting cameras require a network connection to send data. In simple terms, a data plan is needed. That means purchasing SIM cards made for security cameras before use.

Most cellular game trail cameras come with motion sensors designed to detect movement. When activity is detected, the camera records images & instantly notifies you via phone or email.

Since cellular trail cameras are typically set up outdoors, using power adapters or wiring for electricity isn’t practical. For this reason, most models are wire-free, running on batteries or solar power.

While these cameras are often placed in hunting areas, they can serve another role once hunting season ends.

Landowners or leaseholders can continue using cellular trail cameras for security purposes, detecting break-ins, theft, or other suspicious activities & responding quickly.

How to Pick the Best Trail Cameras with Cellular

This section covers key features of top cellular game trail cameras. It also guides you on selecting the best cellular trail camera that fits your budget.

Water Resistance

A must-have feature. Ensures cellular hunting cameras keep working despite changing weather.

Check IP ratings, which indicate protection against solids & water. Cellular game trail cameras with IP65 or higher are reliable for outdoor use.

For extra waterproofing, consider adding protective skins to your cellular-capable trail cameras.

The best cellular trail cameras are built to last. Pick cellular game cameras made of quality materials. Longer warranty periods mean better reliability.

The 70MAX 4G model, for example, uses lightweight but durable materials. The company also offers a 2-year warranty & 24/6 online support. A major plus for this cellular-enabled trail camera.

Night Vision of Cellular Game Trail Cameras

Higher megapixels mean clearer images & videos. An HD cellular trail camera with great night vision captures details even in low light.

Some top-rated cellular trail cameras with starlight night vision record nighttime videos in true colors. The 70MAX 4G cellular trail camera comes with a starlight image sensor for this purpose.

Here’s a sample video captured by the 70MAX 4G.

Be aware—most cellular trail cameras using 850nm wavelength emit a visible red glow at night (learn why in this post).

Want no-glow cellular trail cameras? Many hunters prefer them. Disable the IR function in the phone app settings. But some cheap cellular trail cameras may lack this option.

Cellular Signal for Wireless Cellular Trail Cameras

Before getting a trail camera with cellular, consider the cellular signal based on two key factors.

#1. Check which mobile providers support your cellular trail camera.

While looking at cellular trail cameras for sale, confirm their compatible carriers in the product details.

If multiple carriers are available in your area, go for wireless cellular trail cameras that support the strongest signal provider.

No need to match the carriers of your 3G cellular trail cameras & your phone. Cellular-capable trail cameras can send alerts to your phone even if they use different carriers.

#2. Select a cellular trail camera data plan before use.

A cellular-enabled trail camera requires a data plan for transmitting images. Visit local mobile providers & find a plan that suits your needs.

Frequent, unnecessary triggers can cause 4G cellular trail cameras to send too many irrelevant images or videos. This leads to high data usage on your cellular trail camera plan.

To prevent excessive data consumption, adjust motion sensor sensitivity & detection range. This reduces false alerts from cellular hunting cameras.

Battery Life of Trail Cameras with Cellular

Short battery life is a common issue with cellular game trail cameras. To help, here are three simple ways to make batteries last longer.

#1. Know if your cellular hunting cameras use alkaline or lithium batteries.

Alkaline batteries are cheap & fine for regular use. Lithium batteries last up to four times longer. They also work well in extreme heat or cold, where alkaline ones might fail.

#2. Adjust sensitivity settings on your cellular trail cameras' sensors.

If sensors pick up unimportant movements, cameras waste power & fill storage with useless images or videos.

Lowering sensitivity saves power. You get fewer unnecessary alerts & images.

#3. Use rechargeable batteries or solar power for cellular-enabled trail cameras.

Recharge batteries with power adapters or attach solar panels to cellular trail cameras for continuous power. A budget-friendly & eco-friendly solution.

Notifications

Cellular trail cameras with mobile apps or PC software send instant alerts when they detect movement or other events. This allows hunters & property owners to act quickly.

If your wild game cameras support remote access, you can also watch live streams on your device. This helps you monitor feeders or hunting spots without leaving a scent & disturbing animals.

Storage Options of Trail Cameras with Cellular

Cellular trail cameras store data in two ways: local storage & cloud storage.

Cellular wildlife game cameras with micro SD cards store images & videos locally with no extra subscription costs. You can check recordings remotely on your phone.

With cloud storage, images & videos upload online, preventing data loss or damage. You can access recordings anytime, from anywhere.

Best Pick of Cellular Trail Cameras

In this part, we review the 70MAX 4G, a top-selling model & our best choice among cellular trail cameras.

Power Supply: The 70MAX 4G runs on a rechargeable battery. You can attach a solar panel for continuous power, turning it into a cellular solar trail camera.

Water Resistance: This cellular trail camera has an IP65 waterproof rating, making it reliable for outdoor use.

Video Performance: With Full HD 1080P, the 70MAX 4G delivers sharp details. At night, its 2MP starlight night vision captures fine details. It also features a 110° field of view, ensuring a broad coverage area.

Notifications: This wireless cellular trail camera sends instant alerts to your devices upon detecting motion, allowing for quick response.

A standout feature is its customizable voice-recordable alerts. You can record a personalized alert message to use as an audible notification.

Storage Options: The 70MAX 4G has a micro SD card slot for local storage. Additionally, it supports 70MAX Cloud, allowing recorded images to be stored online.

Here is a video sample from a real 70MAX 4G user.

In conclusion, with its outstanding features, the 70MAX 4G ranks among the best cellular trail cameras.

Tips for Cellular Game Trail Cameras Installation

Here are two key tips for setting up cellular trail cameras in outdoor environments.

#1. Avoid Pointing Solar-Powered Cellular Trail Cameras Directly at the Sun

Some users may place cellular game trail cameras with solar panels facing the sun. Keep in mind, solar panels generate power when exposed to light, not just direct sunlight.

If your camera faces the sun directly, captured images may be overexposed. Adjusting the camera’s angle improves image clarity.

#2. Account for Weather & Other Natural Elements During Installation

In areas with consistent wind patterns, positioning matters. For instance, if west winds are common in your location, avoid mounting your cellular wildlife game cameras toward the west. This helps minimize rain or snow blurring your footage.

Also, consider mounting cellular trail cameras on larger trees or stable structures instead of bushes. Bushes grow rapidly & can obstruct the lens soon after setup. Thick branches may also interfere with signal transmission.

Have thoughts or questions on cellular trail cameras? Share them with us in the comments below!