Public Land Trail Cam Etiquette

[Moserkr]

I met some guys dropping cams all over the woods in one of my spots. It gets hit pretty hard during rifle unless you go really deep, but is empty during archery. I've run cams out there before too but Im hesitant leaving them out during rifle. But that made me think...

Has anyone ever pulled the cards on other people's public land cams and then just put them back? Download the data, don't delete, put the cam back as found. My opinion is that it's fair game on public land and is a no harm no foul situation. I will be carrying a card reader with me from now on. If the cam is locked in a box then I'll leave it be. Otherwise I cannot find an argument in my mind why its unethical. Thoughts?

 

[Mallardsx2]

Define nefarious.

Are we talking Roman Helmet situation here?

 

[bigsky2]

Ill be completely honest, if I found a cell cam during the season in Montana I'd be tempted to put something in front of the lens. Not sure if I'd check someone's card or not. I wouldn't want anyone checking my cards. I lock mine though.

 

[recon6036]

There is one in Wyoming that’s been in the same spot for a few years now. Appears that it is maintained. I have never considered checking the card, but I did hold up a sign with my email address written on it, asking the owner to send me Elk pics…..no luck though.