NVG and trail cam recommendations?

[Welshmom]

We are currently at our cabin in the north woods. Been seeing signs of wolf & bear on trails. Hearing sounds of critters in the dark we'd like to be able to identify, purely for informational purposes.

Was thinking a good trail cam and/or night vision goggles might make a great birthday gift, if the price is doable (i.e., not so much!)

Anybody have any reviews/feedback/advise?

[Bret F]

My brother has three cameras and is always sending me photos that I share with the guys I work with.

Just last week, one asked his preference and he replied "My best camera is the Reconyx, but it was expensive ($450). The other two are OK and paid $69 and $89 for them (He didn't give brand). He suggests go to cabelas.com and read the reviews. He went on to talk about a photo he attached that he thinks was from a Moultrie brand ($89) that takes regular D batteries. A close up of an elk - so close it was just the face. All of the photos are easy to tell what the animals are.

[unregistered29228]

Night vision goggles are amazingly expensive! Generation 1 doesn't do a very good job, and each newer generation (2 + 3) get even more expensive quickly. We had a Gen 2 set once, and sent them back because they weren't that great for the money spent. If you want to research NVG, look at OpticsPlanet.com. They have top quality equipment and a good return policy.

We have several trail cameras and those are much less expensive. You don't get to see the animals "real time" but most cameras take night pictures so you will be able to see exactly what or who has been in the area over the last days or hours. Ours are Primos Truthcams, and they work really well....when they work. I had to get the Better Business Bureau involved to get our first camera replaced when it died after 6 months and Primos wanted ME to pay for repairs and postage. Eventually they sent a new camera and a mailing label to send the other one back. But they take really nice night photos, are camo colored, and weatherproof. Here's a night picture from our camera:

[kabic]

I like my moutrie M-80. My next one might be the m80 BLK which is the black flash version of the camera.

Chasingame.com has good camera reviews