Camera Trap Set

ronwoodcraft · Dec 26, 2025

I've had this set about a hundred yards behind my house for about two months. I was a trapper years ago. I don’t trap anymore but apply those skills to camera trapping. This particular set was chosen because I found evidence of where a cougar had scratched a rock climbing up a steep trail leading from the creek behind this big cottonwood tree. I had envisioned what it would look like to see a cougar coming out of that gap , then after months of waiting, it happened a couple of nights ago.

I tried to number everything in the overall picture of the set to make it understandable.
1 and 4 are Nikon SB28 flashes inside lock and lock containers similar to tupperware... Flashes are fired by wireless switches when the camera is triggered, everything fires in sync.
2 and 3 are a Cognisys Scout trail monitor connected to the camera by a cable. An invisible beam aimed through the gap and fires the camera when the beam is broken.
5 is the modified pelican case containing the camera.
I made a lens hood out of a plastic dish I got from the thrift store. It's purpose is to help keep rain and snow off the lens filter.
Also showing the camera box open revealing The Canon T6i Rebel with wireless flash switch attached to the hot shoe.

Camera settings : Canon T6i, Canon 18-55 kit lens, ISO 800, F9, Shutter speed 1/200 manually focused on the gap to the right of the tree. ( Flashes are set at 1/8th and 1/16th power. )

I'll post some pictures of the Mountain Lion that showed up in another post later.

ronwoodcraft · Dec 26, 2025

The beam break sensor and a flash aimed at the gap.

Cariboo5 · Dec 26, 2025

For all your time & effort to set up, you certainly have been rewarded with awesome pictures.....

Gare · Dec 27, 2025

Cariboo5 said:
For all your time & effort to set up, you certainly have been rewarded with awesome pictures.....

Carl I think you miss spoke. I think you meant WE have been REWARDED with a LOT of FANTASTIC PICTURES !!!

Cariboo5 · Dec 28, 2025

Gare said:
Carl I think you miss spoke. I think you meant WE have been REWARDED with a LOT of FANTASTIC PICTURES !!!

Gail, .. it appears that the true meaning of my comment and observation went over your head. It takes time a lot of time to go and travel miles, walk the woods looking for sign to try and pattern the wild life. It takes an investment to purchase all the proper equipment ones wants to use.

It takes repeated effort day after day or week after week to find the right area, to set up ( some times with no results) and then 2 weeks later have to find another area with potential. All above are huge factors in being successful as Ron is and thus for all his time, effort, purchases and knowledge he is being rewarded and every time the camera is checked the anticipation of the unknown caught on video is thrilling.

Have you ever considered trying this Gail, it just may be a hobby you would enjoy.....

Just one question for you .... Who is Carl ?

Happy New Year ....