Tracking Illegals & Setting Trail Cameras (40 min video) - Part 1

Published on May 5, 2018
Duration: 39:20

This video details the process of setting up trail cameras in the Arizona desert to monitor illegal activity, particularly near the Tohono O'odham Reservation. The instructor, experienced in firearms and tactics, explains the rationale behind choosing specific locations based on observed signs of passage, such as discarded water bottles, backpacks, and twine. He discusses camera settings like sensitivity and detection range, emphasizing the challenges of covering vast areas and avoiding false triggers.

Quick Summary

Expert advice on setting trail cameras for surveillance in the Arizona desert involves identifying signs of passage like discarded bottles and twine. Cameras should have their sensitivity set to medium to avoid false triggers, with typical ranges around 65 feet for IR and 75 feet for daylight detection.

Chapters

  1. 00:30Introduction to Desert Surveillance
  2. 01:20Sheriff's Department Intel & Reservation Impact
  3. 03:02Evidence of Past Activity (Drop Points)
  4. 06:56Searching for Signs of Passage
  5. 08:03Heading to a Natural Tank Area
  6. 09:45Finding Discarded Items
  7. 11:26Identifying Smuggling Twine
  8. 13:43Arriving at a Target Location
  9. 15:19Examining the Tank Area for Evidence
  10. 17:13More Discarded Bottles Found
  11. 18:03Observing Game Trails and Vantage Points
  12. 19:56Considering Camera Placement Near Reservation
  13. 20:46Moving On to New Areas
  14. 21:00Why Not Directly on the Border?
  15. 25:18Approaching the Reservation Boundary
  16. 26:33Tire Marks in a Wash
  17. 27:26Setting Up First Trail Camera
  18. 29:17Trail Camera Technical Specifications
  19. 31:10Challenges Near the Reservation
  20. 33:09Revisiting an Area with Previous Signs
  21. 35:33Limitations of Camera Coverage
  22. 36:11Finding Old Backpacks
  23. 37:17Setting the Last Camera (Location Concealed)
  24. 38:27Conclusion of Part 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common signs of illegal activity in the desert that can be used to set up trail cameras?

Common signs include discarded water bottles, old backpacks, and specific types of rope or twine used for bundling items. These items often indicate routes used by smugglers or individuals crossing borders illegally.

How should trail camera sensitivity be adjusted for desert surveillance?

Sensitivity should be set to medium to effectively capture human or vehicle activity while minimizing false triggers from environmental factors like wind, branches, or small animals. High sensitivity can lead to an overwhelming number of irrelevant photos.

What are the technical specifications for trail cameras mentioned in the video?

The instructor mentions cameras with a 65-foot infrared (IR) distance for night vision and a 75-foot detection range for daylight conditions. Sensitivity was set to medium.

Why is it challenging to monitor areas near reservations for illegal activity?

Reservations can be vast and may have limited official patrols, making them potential routes for illegal crossings. Additionally, some indigenous groups may not cooperate with or may actively resist external law enforcement presence on their land.

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