Trail cameras are typically associated with hunters and the pursuit of big game animals such as elk and deer. Big game hunters definitely make up the majority of trail camera users. The intended purpose of a trail camera is too capture an image of a deer without invading their habitat and spooking the animal. Trail cameras have now evolved from 35mm film cameras into 6.0 MP digital infrared units. The clarity and quality of the photos are simply amazing. Many outdoor photographers have recognized this quality and have started using trail cameras to photograph everything in nature.
Being able to get close enough to photograph wild animals can be a dounting task. A quick fix would be a super zoom telescopic lens that is bulky and very expensive. A simpler alternative would be to locate an area frequented by the animal you wish to photograph and place a trail camera overlooking the area. When setting up the camera try to keep the camera and the area as scent free as possible. If the camera is well camoflauged the only way the animal would be able to detect its presence is scent.
To select a location for the trail camera, try to find a place that is well used and secluded enough so that the animal will be relaxed and pass slowly by the camera. A great setup would be overlooking a water hole. A drinking animal will be still and possibly spend enough time in from of the trail camera to offer many shots. A mineral lick, salt lick, would also be a great choice. Both of these options would give you an opportunity for many different species of animals. A method for targeting a more specific species would be to place the game camera over a bait pile. The choice of bait would obviously dictate what animal would present itself. A small piece of roadkill would draw in bobcats and coyotes, while apples would tend to be more appealing to bear and deer.
After deer season closes, just charge up the batteries and change your game plan. The opportunities are endless for those creative people that love nature and the outdoors. If you are limiting your trail cameras to deer then you are definitely missing out.
One of my favorite blogs to visit is Cliff's game camera blog . Over the years he has captured some truly amazing pictures with his trail camera setups. His blog is full of great pictures and really smart tips on getting great shots with your trail camera. If you like the two examples below, head over to his site for many more.
Trail Camera Tips 
Trail Camera Photography
