Wildlife Camera Hints & Tips For Better Nature Footage

Wildlife camera, usage has become very popular recently, with nature lovers everywhere spending their spare time during lockdown, getting closer to the natural world around them. I have been no exception to this and purchased my first trail cam, as they are aslo known, days after going into lockdown.

I am lucky enough to have areas of small woodland, bridleways and meadows just on my doorstep. And I have been going out every day, filming the wildlife, plants and insects that I discover during my daily walks. By way of documenting my encounters, I have also been producing a wildlife and nature lockdown vlog, which I published on my Youtube Page - JesterBushcraft

It was during my daily walks, that I began to spot signs of fox activity, strong scent, tracks etc. And so I made the decision to invest in a wildlife camera. After considerable research, I went for the Victure HC100, which was reasonably priced for a first camera, small and compact, provided a respectable 16Mp image and only required 4 x AA batteries, compared to the usual 8 in other trail cams on the market.

With my new camera and brimming with optimism, I ventured out to locate the trail cam, hoping to catch a glimpse of the fox, that I was convinced was roaming my woodland.

Amazingly after my first night of placing the camera, I captured the faintest image of a fox, wandering through the woods.

As you can imagine I was elated at this initial encounter, unaware that this would lead me to weeks and months of tracking the fox and capturing it (any many others) on film, using my now trusty Victure HC100.

Over the next couple of weeks, placing the camera in the evening, collecting again in the morning and checking what footage I had captured. I quickly began to learn, even as a novice wildlife film maker, the best places to locate the camera, angles, heights and signs to look for when tracking the fox. I have since gone on to produce videos, featuring the foxes, spanning over 100 days, along with a whole host of other animal species.

Knowing the trials and errors I went through, tracking a filming these animals, I thought it would be beneficial to other wildlife camera users to offer some hints and tips. And so I put together a video highlighting my experiences and lessons I learnt, in the early stages of owning a trail cam.

After months of capturing the foxes on video, I soon realised that a second camera would be beneficial. Allowing me to monitor both the woodland, where the fox would venture whilst hunting. And also the area around the den, which I discovered using my new found tracking skills and behaviour patterns highlighted on film.

And so, I purchased a second wildlife camera. Although completely satisfied with my Victure HC100, I felt I should trial a different camera with different features. Again, after a lot of research I opted for the Apeman H55, which I continue to use on a regular basis to this day.

If you decide to purchase a wildlife camera, my advice would be this... Do your research Learn the behaviour of the animal you want to film Use on a regular basis, to learn the features of your camera Be persistent Don't be discouraged by little or no footage Enjoy it

Going out on a daily basis, during lockdown, to place my wildlife cameras, has opened my eyes to far more than just a single fox sighting. It has taught me how to track animals, learn their characteristics, discover new animals, witness new life and appreciate the amazing wildlife and nature we have around us.

Get out there, enjoy it...

Food For Free - What Does This Pocket Book And Nature Have To Offer ?

Everybody likes something for free and who doesn't like food for free ? With this tiny little pocket guide by Richard Mabey, you will never go hungry... Well not when you're out in the countryside anyway. For less than a fiver you can learn all about what nature has to offer, when to pick and how best to eat the abundance of wild edibles.

I was first introduced to this amazing little book about five or six years ago, when I joined a fellow bushcrafter on a nature walk. I knew very little about wild edibles back then, other than blackberries and bilberries. However, after an hours walk I had been introduced to Wood Sorrel, Common Sorrel and Nettles. Not really enough to fill a hungry stomach, but it was enough to encourage me to learn more.

Before going our seperate ways, I was advised to purchase a copy of Food For Free, which is exactly what I did. After receiving the book, I was amazed to discover how many plants were listed, that I actually knew. But had no idea whatsover, that they could be eaten.

And so, off I went into my local woodland to see what I could find, using the book as a reference when identifying the different species of plant. I shot a video back in 2012 titled "Bushcraft - Searching For Wild Edibles - Foraging", which looking back is a little sketchy (video quality wise I might add... ha ha !!), but it gives you an insight into what I discoverd that day.

It goes without saying, that if you are ever looking for wild edibles and decide to taste anything, make sure you are 100% certain of what you are about to eat.

As I mention in the video, start with 3-4 plants that are easily recognisable, get to know them, learn all about them and when to spot them. And when you are happy you have successfully identified the plant, try just a tiny piece and see how it goes down. Once you are preficient in identifying them, move onto other species, slowly building up your menu... I mean knowledge !

If I had to suggest 5 species of plant to start with, I would suggest the following : (Of course, this list is based on what I have found in the UK) Dandelion Nettle Jack By The Hedge Wood Sorrel Blackberry

In my most recent video, I revisit the Food For Free book once again, to highlight a couple more plant species. One of which, leaves a rather bitter taste in my mouth.

Simple DIY Kayak Paddle Modification - Two For The Price Of One

A number of years ago, I purchased a Stearns Back Country inflatable kayak, which came with a four piece split paddle. This allowed you to disassemble the paddle into smaller sections, for ease of transportation. When paddling solo, I tend to use the paddle as a one piece. But if I had one of the Mini-Jesters with me, or they were both using the kayak, I needed a simple DIY kayak paddle modification that was a quick and easy method to reconfigure the paddle.

I experimented with a few different designs, which were ok, but did require the use of a screwdriver to secure the moulded handle grips to the paddle sections. This very much restricted how quick we could change from a single to a double paddle. So, back to the drawing board I went. It was only when I spotted some nifty little locking pins on my Dad's lightweight scaffolding tower that a new design came into my head.

These stainless steel shaft locking pins allowed me to create a quick release mechanism for the moulded handle grips, resulting in a paddle reconfiguration in a matter of seconds. The positioning of the pins through the grips and shaft of the paddle, meant your hands didn't catch the locking pins at all when holding the paddle grip.

With the addition of an old vacuum cleaner tube, I created a seperate section to incorporate the second paddle grip and blade. This additional section was required due to the current design of the 4 piece paddle not having a sufficient end to accept the paddle grip handle. I also added a small piece of bicycle inner tube, just to reduce any slight movement between the two sections, due to minor size differences.

Parts List : 4 Piece Paddle Moulded Paddle Grips Shaft Locking Pins Old Vacuum Cleaner Tube Old Bicycle Inner Tube

With just a little time and effort, which I quite enjoyed, I now have a versatile paddle that can be used to satisfy any situation. The trouble then begins when a third member of the kayak is introduced... Anyway, this will do for now. Please let me know your feedback on this design in the comments below.

Dallmyd Has It, Why Can't We ?

The Mini-Jesters love going on adventures with me and appearing on JesterBushcraft videos (Their words, not mine...ha ha!). And whilst they are no doubt proud of what we have achieved on the channel, they still have their own particular Youtube favourites. In my sons case, non more so than DALLMYD, a much loved Youtuber who is an angler, freediver, scuba diver and treasure hunter with over 5,000,000+ Subscribers!

"Dad, why have we not got merch ?" And a phrase I have been hearing repeatedly from the Mini-Jesters is "Merch", which I have since learned means merchandise. And it seems a lot of Youtubers worth their salt, have "Merch". Subsequently they keep asking me "Dad, why have we not got merch ?"

And yes, I know I'm not in the same league as DALLMYD or any other successful Youtubers or celebrities. But what I am, is a really cool Dad, who likes to keep his kids happy and the talk of their school. Which is why, a few days ago, I set to work creating some JesterBushcraft merchandise, which if nobody else likes, at least my kids will ask kindly for a few items in my UK Store.

I've tried to provide a variety of apparel, to cater for all my loyal subscribers, be they gentlemen, ladies and not forgetting of course those Mini-Jesters.

So please feel free to take a quick look round the JesterBushcraft UK Store (US Store in progress) and let me know what you think of the designs in the comments below.

The Mini-Jesters have already browsed the store and picked out what they like, so that's Christmas presents sorted !

Are Scotty Mount Accessories Worth The Money ?

In todays post I take a look at a number of Scotty Mount Accessories, that I recently purchased. And decide whether or not I think they are worth the money. "When the price is long forgotten, the quality is always remembered" Is a phrase an old work colleague of mine once told me and I have always tried to stick to that philosophy. Granted you can't always afford to pay for a more expensive item, when there are so many cheaper alternatives available to you. However, if you want a piece of kit to last, you get what you pay for.

And so, when in the market for a new camera mount for my sit on kayak, I began my research. After browsing several Youtube videos, Amazon and Ebay, it soon became apparant that Scotty were one of the market leaders, for this type of interchangeable accessory mount. The majority of the reviews for their wide range of products, were positive and my finger was poised on the Buy Now button. But, there was something holding me back... the price. The Scotty accessories are by no means cheap and you can easily rack up a sizeable bill, when combining the various components to solve your accessory mounting issues.

So which accessories do I currently have ? At the time of writing this article I have purchased the following :

But Are they Any Good ? My initial impression when I first removed all of the above accessories from their packaging, was how sturdy and well made they are. You can usually get a feel for a product when you first handle it. And I have to say these particular Scotty accessories are quality and more importantly, built to last. All the threads, brackets and securing points etc are chunky, ensuring everything operates as it should, no matter what conditions you may find yourself in.

Are Scotty Mount Accessories Worth The Money ? Well, if you look at the prices below and add them up, it totals approximately £50.00 (At the time of writing this article).

Which at the end of the day, is simply a way for me to mount my SJ4000 Action Camera (Or GoPro). But, the range of adjustment it gives me, along with the assurance that the Scotty accessories are going to last, far outweighs the price. This is of course, my own opinion and there are other, similar products on the market. But for me, I am very happy with the products and am willing to spend that little bit extra, so the quality will always be remembered.

A Walk Up Skiddaw - Lake District

Spent a gorgeous day at the end of March 2015, climbing Skiddaw in the Lake District. Despite the glorious sunshine, it was still very cold on the summit (931m ASL) where I witnessed relatively high winds and patches of snow. Join me on my trek to the summit and witness some of the amazing views...

The Ideal Frying Pan For Any Amdro Camper Conversion Cooker Or Motorhome

For any campervan/motorhome owners, campers, or in my case Amdro Boot Jump enthusiast, you will no doubt be cooking your early morning bacon butties on a cooker similar to the ones shown in the photos opposite. And like myself you were probably using a traditional round frying pan. This of course is fine, we have all done it for years, but it has always provided a few little problems, that you may not even be aware of or just doesn't bother you. But when you see the alternative that is available, you may want to change the way you normally cook your breakfast on future camping trips.

Let me start by highlighting a few issues that the traditional round frying pan has... When sat on your cooker, heat is lost from the corners (loss of fuel economy) Reduced cooking area, due to the wasted areas around the frying pan Wasted storage space when storing your pan in a "square" cupboard or crate

So what is the alternative ? Well, if you haven't already guessed, its really obvious and makes you wonder why we haven't changed our frying pan of choice sooner. It is of course, a square (or rectangular) frying pan and the one I recently purchased was the Boaties Square Frying Pan. Now that I have had chance to put it to good use, here are some benefits...

Due to the square design, more of the cooker ring is covered improving fuel economy As the whole area above the cooker ring is covered, you get more cooking space in your pan No more curving your bacon to the contours of a round pan, to get more rashers in, just lay them out straight When your finished cooking, the square pan fits neatly into your cupboard or crate, without any wasted storage space

Here are some features of the Boaties Square Frying Pan... Stainless steel, non stick coating 25cm x 20cm x 4.5cm vertical sides, creating a pan with a greater cooking area compared to a 25.5 cm round pan Designed to fit compact recreational stoves which normally have a limited cooking area Rectangular shape gives maximum cooking area for minimum stove area.

And for all you Amdro Camper Conversion owners, this particular frying pan is the perfect accompaniment for the Origo 3000 alcohol stove , allowing 2 Boaties pans to fit perfectly alongside each other (Bacon in one, eggs in the other). The square design of the pan also allows easier storage in the area below the cooker (or just in a crate). I will probably be purchasing a second pan and may opt for the Boaties Frying Pan Square with Lid version, giving me more cooking options, not to mention keeping the bacon warm once cooked.