Spotlighting deer may be a foreign idea in areas where the practice is illegal. But in states that still allow spotlighting, many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts enjoy heading out at night to see what wildlife they can find. It’s often touted as an activity the whole family can enjoy, and many like seeing deer at night in their natural habitat. Outdoor News‘ Tom Venesky says spotlighting is a great way to see what’s out in the areas he likes to hunt. But are trail cameras making spotlighting obsolete?

spotlight Photo by National Park Service

Deer congregate in the fields at night, and the beam from my spotlight tells me what I may encounter when the season opens. But my favorite and most productive deer hunting area is one that I can’t spotlight.

There is one overgrown field in the area, and the rest of the habitat is wooded hillsides and deep hollows. For this area I rely on trail cameras, and just the other week one of them captured a few images of an impressive 10-point buck traveling with a nice 8-point… With the use of trail cameras, the need to spotlight an area as a means of scouting really isn’t necessary. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the popularity of trail cameras leads to a decrease in spotlighting activity.

Be sure to check your state’s regulations on spotlighting before you go afield.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Photo by: National Park Service (center)

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Shannon Rikard
Shannon Rikard is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for conservation and wedding and portrait photography. The Archery Trade Association and National Wild Turkey Federation have published her work. A self-professed word geek, she enjoys Wheel of Fortune, crossword puzzles, and finding a dynamite synonym to illustrate any point. After starting her career in public relations with a national conservation organization, she ventured out on her own with Copper Door Studios.