One of the biggest chores when it comes to properly and effectively using your trail cameras is mounting them not only in the proper location, but in the proper direction to capture the most and best photos possible. After all, having your trail camera in a hot doe bedding area during the first two weeks of November won't do you any good if it's not pointing towards an actively used trail. With that need to locate and position your camera in a great spot comes the dilemma that we've all faced - finding a suitable tree to put it on. It never fails, you find the hottest scrape for the best trail in the woods and there isn't a straight tree bigger than your thumb for miles. With the advent of the Pine Ridge Archery AT-5 trail camera support that problem is over.
The AT-5 is a rather unique mounting system in that it has been designed to work both on trees as well as metal "T" shaped fence posts that can be found at most local farming and building supply stores, and also scattered about woodlots and fencerows all over the world. This feature allows you to use the AT-5 in any location under a variety of conditions unlike other mounting systems which either require a tree to be screwed into, or a particular post to be mounted on. Others require expensive tripods to be purchased which can potentially be knocked or blown over.
Included with the AT-5 are two nylon straps with adjustable buckles. One for securing your trail camera to the unit itself, and the other for use when attaching the AT-5 to a tree or round fencepost. The detachable base makes it extremely easy to strap onto a tree as you don't have the added weight of the camera to hold up while attempting to get the strap in place and secure. This is especially helpful when using the device on larger trees when you often need both hands to reach all the way around the trunk. I don't know how many times I've dropped my StealthCam while attempting to do this with the ridiculously long strap that is included with their units. Once you have the base attached to the tree you simply slide the other half of the unit into the mounting holes and you're ready to go. No more bringing your cordless drill into the woods to screw your Cuddeback camera into the tree, and no more fumbling around with bungee cords that are barely able to hold the weight of your trail camera to the tree.
When using the AT-5 on a fencepost you simply attach the back half of the mounting bracket to the base with the 4 included bolts and wing nuts, slide it down the post to the desired height, tighten the screws, attach the rest of the unit, and once again you're up and running in no time. This particular feature is great for use in areas that don't have many, or any, suitable trees nearby. This includes marshes, small brushy areas, CRP fields, any agricultural field, and especially food plots. Considering that each metal fence post only costs a couple dollars and are relatively easy to install this is a great option for people who like to set up cameras in these great areas that traditionally aren't conducive to having good mounting spots nearby. With the popularity of food plots for attracting wildlife this is product is much overdue in today's marketplace.
The last great feature of the AT-5 is it's adjustability. A virtually unlimted vertical range is secured by a locking hinge and allows you to compensate for those trees or posts that may be leaning a little too far in one direction for a traditional mount. This great vertical adjustability also allows you the freedom to mount your trail camera much higher than usual with a downward angle to capture images from above, cutting down on the chance your expensive camera could be spotted by either game or potentail thieves. It also eliminates having to jam sticks, rocks, twigs, and other assorted items behind your camera to get it at just the right angle. The side-to-side adjustability is decent, but not great. Three locked adjustments are secure, but do prevent those fine adjustments to get things just right. Although in the big scheme of things, this minor con is far outweighed by the numerous pros.
The AT-5 works with most trail camera brands including the popular Cuddeback, StealthCam, Bushnell, and Moultrie models. Seen here is the AT-5 with my Cuddeback Excite mounted on it. The included mounting strap is easy to secure and can be adjusted vertically using the provided slots on the back of the mounting plate.
In my opinion the AT-5 from Pine Ridge Archery is a great investment for anyone who is even slightly interested in capturing the best images possible with their game cameras. It helps eliminate the struggle of finding a place to mount your camera when you've found that perfect spot, and it greatly increases the flexibility of where you can use your trail cameras. This truly is one trail camera accessory that can be used in any terrain and at any time. Used in conjunction with the EZ Scent Strip available from Hunting Science (it can help get those big bucks to stop in front of your cam for a great shot) and your favorite scouting camera this is one great combination.
This product retails for $24.99 and can be purchased by clicking this link.