Bear proof box ideas?

[jballeau1689]

How are you guys stopping black bears from destroying or moving your cameras? Lost a few cameras last year. Several were knocked down as well. They even got into the bear proof boxes or knocked those down. Was thinking of running some self tappers from the inside out. Looking at what’s worked for others.

 

[JustABritCrazy]

I Use the manufacturer’s box for the camera, python lock it around the tree. I have multiple pictures of bear mouths. They still bat them around, but haven’t lost a camera to bears in over 10 years. Downside is the boxes make it easier for the two legged critters to find your setups. I’ve lost 2 to thieves over the years. Also have had to cut several off trees due to the lock failing to open.

 

[Boone2088]

How are you guys stopping black bears from destroying or moving your cameras? Lost a few cameras last year. Several were knocked down as well. They even got into the bear proof boxes or knocked those down. Was thinking of running some self tappers from the inside out. Looking at what’s worked for others.

I’ve used ammonia to spray on my cameras after I set in areas where bears normally tear them down in days. Seems to work temporarily until it rains. I’ve seen a guy make his own hard cases out of square red oxide perlin tube.

 

[huntingislife]

So I'm not saying this is the solution, but this is what I've come up with after having all my cameras messed up from bears within two weeks of hanging them last year. I know some people just hang them up very high up, this is not a realistic solution for me where I'm hunting due to the terrain and they will only be up for a few months since its public land.

Last year all cams were hung on metal adjustable mounts in steel boxes and cable locked around the tree

Changes I've made
1. Stock cellular antennae getting replaced with a flexible one (bears were breaking the antennae's off (last pic)
2. Due to the mounts getting bent I will be screwing the boxes directly into the trees and in the event I need to angle the camera down I will do that by running 2 screws into the tree behind the steel box to give it downward angle.
3. I am adding spikes to all my steel boxes to keep them from playing with them (some pics attached) The first two pics are of my mockup of spike layout and the third pic is with a better adhesive and actual production

After the spikes are all done being mounted I will spray paint the boxes in dark green spray paint so they aren't shiny anymore

All boxes will still be cable locked to the tree. I may try wiping them down with unscented wipes when hanging them but am not sure about that yet.

The only really issue I am not looking forward to is carrying the spikey boxes into the field.

I'm curious what other peoples thoughts are

 

[Pilsner]

Not a solution but I heard the WHY to bears always jacking with cameras. The release agent used at the factory for the plastic molds has a fish oil base which means the smell gets almost baked into the camera body and never really dissipates. Now we know...
What to do with the information is another story.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Put them high up on a small branch. Too high for them to get it standing up. Too small of a branch to support their weight.

Added benefit: cameras are less likely to be stolen, messed with, have cards stolen, etc.

Sucky part: have to carry something to let you get up there.