If you’re wanting to monitor whitetails and other wildlife, and want an easy way to get clear pictures and videos, check out these new trail cameras for 2023.
1. Browning Defender Pro Scout MAX Extreme
The 2023 Browning Defender Pro Scout MAX Extreme cellular trail camera delivers around-the-clock, high-end performance. Equipped with Browning’s innovative Dual Carrier Technology, these cameras come with pre-installed AT&T and Verizon SIM cards that combine with Browning’s new Auto-Detect feature to help users identify the best signal available in the field. Additionally, the Pro Scout MAX Extreme cameras have 22MP image capability, full HD 1080P video capability with sound, and cutting-edge RADIANT 6 Night Illumination Technology that combine to deliver users the best daytime and nighttime images and videos possible. With adjustable IR flash settings that extend up to 120 feet, a super-fast .25-second trigger speed, and GPS tagged images, this camera creates a remarkable experience that is further enhanced by industry-defining battery life that gives these cameras the potential to operate for up to one year in the field on a set of eight AA batteries.
MSRP: $139.99 | browningtrailcameras.com
2. Reconyx HyperFire 2 Cellular Covert IR Camera
The HyperFire 2 Cellular Covert IR Camera by Reconyx is a wonderful option. It has a 0.2-second trigger speed, 150-foot flash range, and takes great images and high-quality video with audio. The battery life is 5,000 images, or one year, and supports SD memory cards up to 512GB. It has an operating temperature range of -20° to 120° Fahrenheit. Cost-effective data plans are available directly through RECONYX, starting at only $5 per month with no long-term contracts. They offer plans through Verizon or AT&T Networks in the U.S., as well as an international program for use almost anywhere in the world. Utilizing the mobile app, create a custom cellular plan, manage images, and check status or change camera settings from anywhere. These are made in the U.S.A. and come with a five-year warranty.
MSRP: $599.99 | reconyx.com
3. Muddy Matrix
The Muddy Matrix is a dual-network (AT&T and Verizon), on-demand photo- and video-capture machine. It has an auto-detect system for the carrier with the best signal. And with pre-installed SIM cards, there’s less headache for the consumer. Also, this camera takes up to 36MP images and 1080P full HD video with audio. It has an 80-feet detection and flash range and can take photo bursts of up to three images. Give it a five- to 180-second recovery time. Info strip shows time, date, moon phase, temperature, and camera name. It comes with an integrated Python lock latch.
MSRP: $129.99 | gomuddy.com
4. Cuddeback L-Series Cell Camera
Cuddeback introduces the L-Series trail cameras. It combines the very best features of the CuddeLink J and G series into one family. It consists of five trail camera models. Four are compatible with the CuddeLink system and all existing CuddeLink cameras. The fifth camera, the LTC-2A, falls within Cuddeback’s new Tracks Series, a line of performance stand-alone cellular trail cameras. L-Series cameras have a smaller ergonomic housing and run off four D size batteries, which are lower cost and last longer than comparable AA battery power. It is also compatible with all Cuddeback power accessories. Furthermore, the L-Series is rich with features, including seven levels of sensitivity adjustment, day/night settings, patented auto-camera delay, prime-time mode, timelapse, and much more. An enhanced interface with a two-line backlit display provides an excellent user experience during setup. The L-Series cell model (LLC-0A) will feature two high-gain external paddle antennas, which allow for improved operation in fringe reception areas. In addition, the LLC-0A includes dual SIM sockets so the camera can be used with either AT&T or Verizon LTE service, which can be changed by the user at any time. When used within the CuddeLink Cell system, most can afford to cover their favorite hunting property and receive images via text or email, freeing up time, saving money, and leaving the hunting woods undisturbed.
5. Wildgame Innovations Encounter XT
The Encounter XT by Wildgame Innovations is a dual-network cellular camera that runs with pre-installed SIM cards for both AT&T and Verizon carriers. It incorporates an auto-detect feature that identifies the strongest cell signal and immediately switches to that carrier for uninterrupted communication performance. The Encounter XT is compatible with the Huntsmart app. Its on-demand photo and video capture feature is excellent. Just open the Huntsmart app and send a command to take a picture or video. It has an 80-foot flash and detection range, a trigger speed of under half a second, one to three photo burst capability, high-resolution 34MP still imaging, and 720P HD video capture with audio recording. Info strip shows date, time, moon phase, temperature, and camera name. Recovery timeout ranges from five to 180 seconds. It includes an integrated Python lock latch.
MSRP: $149.99 | wildgameinnovations.com
6. Stealth Cam Deceptr
The Stealth Cam Deceptr cell camera merges two network carriers — AT&T and Verizon — into a single unit. The camera comes with SIM cards pre-installed for both carriers and includes an auto detect feature that continually senses the best available signal and selects that carrier to maintain network communication. With this dual-band capability, the Deceptr is better able to overcome changing signal propagation and maintain that critical link between the camera and the user’s mobile device. Along with this dual network capability is the ability to deploy the on-demand function. Work through the Stealth Cam Command Pro App to acquire near-real-time still and video imaging (30-second delay is typical). Now, hunters can check their target zone anytime, anywhere for local weather conditions and game presence before entering the area.
Set image settings from 4MP to 40MP and take high-resolution QHD 1440P video with audio. A 36-piece 940nm NoGlo LED array offers a detection and flash range out to 80 feet. Coupled with a fast 0.4-second trigger speed, and a selectable five- to 180-second recovery timeout, the Deceptr keeps you in the action. The data stamp shows date, moon phase, temperature, and camera name. Integrated Python lock latch included.
7. Moultrie Micro-42i Kit
The Micro-42i Kit is a compact, convenient camera setup. It has invisible flash technology, so you can capture bright and clear images without spooking the target. Also, it has ultra-high-resolution 42-MP images, HD video (1280×720), a blazing 0.4-second trigger speed, and multiple capture modes. The aspect ratio is 16:9. Its detecting range is 70 feet, flash range is 80 feet, and can take up to 13,000 images on one set of batteries. The info strip data shows time, date, temperature, camera name, and moon phase. SD card sold separately.
MSRP: $89.99 | moultriefeeders.com
8. SPYPOINT FLEX-S
The SPYPOINT FLEX-S delivers the same performance and flexibility of the original FLEX, but with the added benefit of an integrated solar panel charging an internal lithium battery to keep the camera working longer. It has a 100-foot detection and flash range. This camera transmits 33MP photos and 1080P videos with sound to the SPYPOINT app. The FLEX works on all major cellular networks and will automatically connect to the one with the best coverage in the area thanks to the dual-sim configuration of the camera. Four capture modes include photo, video, time-lapse, and time-lapse+, which takes photos at the preferred interval and when the camera’s detection sensor is triggered. Furthermore, the Buck Tracker AI filter is designed with one goal in mind: to make you a more prepared and efficient hunter. Flexible photo transmission plans range from free to unlimited. Requires a class 10 ultra-high speed microSD card (not included).
9. Covert WC20 Wireless
Covert introduces the WC20 series wireless scouting cameras. Continuing to build better value from their industry-leading scouting camera systems, the WC20 offers more features, fast trigger speeds and better connection in a competitively priced format.
Available with cellular data service from either AT&T or Verizon wireless, the feature-rich WC20 continues to deliver on a long-standing legacy that Covert Scouting Cameras has become widely recognized for. With a new body housing, the compact design of the WC20 measures 5.5”Hx4.5”Wx3”D. With faster recovery and better features, it also has ultra-sensitive .3-second trigger speeds for better subject centering. With the ability to capture and transmit photos and capture video locally, those seeking intel of all types will appreciate the camera’s ability to store high-resolution images and 1080P videos on SD cards up to 32GB (not included), while transmitting previews to the Covert Web Portal and mobile app.
Fourty Infrared No-Glow LEDs deliver a 100-foot flash range for even illumination and exceptional media quality under a wide variety of conditions, while one to three Turbo Shot Burst Mode and MaXimum Silence Image Capture prevents spooking game. Each event is stamped with time/date/temp/moon phase, stored on the media card and sent to the Web Portal and Wireless App. Enhancing the setup is an integrated 1.5-inch color settings screen that allows for quick setting in the field. Each housing features a threaded port for use with the Covert T60 accessory line and a pipe-through security port for use with cable locks, as well as an included nylon strap mounting system.
Users can expect exceptional battery life from 12 AA batteries. Covert wireless data plans on both the AT&T and Verizon networks start at just $4.99 per month for up to 100 images; with tiered service offerings up to an unlimited annual subscription for $239.88 per year.
MSRP: $129.99 | feradyne.com
10. Covert WC20-V
The Covert WC20-V features an ultra-sensitive .3-second trigger speed that makes for better subject centering. It also features an 80-foot detection range, 100-foot flash range, and can take bursts of up to three images. It captures high-resolution images and 1080P videos on SD cards up to 32GB (not included), while transmitting previews to the Covert Web Portal and mobile app. This model even sports a 1.5-inch settings screen, QR code setup, settings changes via the app, maximum silence image capture, and a two-year warranty. The info strip includes date, time, temperature, and moon phase. It runs off 12 AA batteries. Cellular data service is available from either AT&T or Verizon wireless.
MSRP: $129.99 | feradyne.com