COLUMN: Driftwood Outdoors: Trail camera technologies advance with AI

Trail cameras have made the observation of wildlife a remote affair.

Technologies have come a long way since trail cameras burst on the scene about 20 years ago. Early models drained large batteries and delivered low-quality images.

Today, compact cellular cameras deliver crisp, clear photos and videos right to your smartphone. Every time I hear the ding of my trail camera app; I get excited because I have a new image of an animal on my farm and insight into their wild world.

Technology is woven into most facets of our daily lives. As much as I enjoy stepping away from technology in the great outdoors, I do enjoy running a series of trail cameras.

Most hunters I know are using some form of camera these days to monitor the deer on their property. This time of year, it's exciting to see what bucks survived hunting season, and I can tell when bucks are dropping their antlers.

The bells and whistles vary greatly on the countless models of trail cameras available. Basic cameras take forward-facing still images and videos. Most record images or videos to SD cards.

You must make your rounds every so often to swap cards. Images are then imported into a computer to be viewed.

This technology is rapidly being replaced by cellular cameras that send photos right to your phone. This is so convenient, and the cameras can be set to deliver pictures mere seconds after they're taken.

With real-time uploads, monitoring your property for hunting, wildlife watching and security is easy and more enjoyable.

The Archery Trade Association (ATA) and the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) shows recently wrapped up. Trail camera companies unveiled their newest products, some of which will bring brand-new technologies to the market.

I have used a lot of different brands of trail cameras over the years. Many of them work well, and some not so much. Browning Trail Cameras have always performed well for me.

Browning's new Defender Pro Scout Max HD AI is an AI-powered trail camera that uses image recognition software to allow you to filter what you want the camera to send pictures of.

It's hard to believe how far these cameras have come. And I'll admit, the idea of using AI in any means of outdoor recreation seems questionable. But the future is here, and I like receiving photos of deer, turkey, coyotes, bobcats and other critters throughout the day.

I'm all in on the use of trail cameras and their continued technological advancements.

Another camera Browning is rolling out offers live streaming. So now you can sit in your house or office, or anywhere you may find yourself dreaming of being in the woods, and flip on the live stream to see what is going on in the field or in front of your tree stand.

"Our 2025 product lineup represents the pinnacle of innovation and reliability in trail camera technology," said Tom Rainey, Marketing Director at Browning Trail Cameras.

"We're proud to feature the award-winning Defender Vision Pro Livestream, which delivers live-action scouting like never before. Whether you're looking for AI-driven insights, real-time live streaming or enhanced connectivity, we're delivering solutions that exceed expectations for hunters, property owners, and wildlife enthusiasts alike."

Trail cameras are an enjoyable tool to use to extend your hunting season to all year long. You may not be out there with a gun or bow, but in a sense, you're hunting for that next awe-inspiring image or video.

You never know what is going to show up, and sometimes what you capture is incredible.

See you down the trail…

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