Open Area Placement
Making sure tall weeds and brush are removed, place the trail cam in an open plat of land, pointing in the direction of critter bait. Bait, such as corn feeders or sprinkles of sunflower seeds, will attract a variety of animals to the open area. Pointing in the direction of the bait, place the trail cam above eye level of the animal you wish to capture. Animals that are lured into baited areas include squirrels, raccoons, deer and turkey.
Tree Placement
Placing the trail cam within a tree may add an optimal vantage point for snapping critter shots. The trail cam should be faced toward an open area or path known to contain wildlife and then affixed to the tree by rope, nails or duct tape. Make sure the trail cam is secure and just above eye level of the wildlife you wish to capture. Walk in front of the trail cam to "trigger" movement. Adjust placement within the tree as needed.
Body of Water Placement
Many critters drink from freshwater lakes, rivers and ponds. Even small streams can attract thirsty animals of all sizes. If your trail cam has a pole for ground placement, push the cam into soil near a body of water. Point the trail cam at a section of water. Perform a swab of the area to find a section that intersects with a wildlife path. Adjust the trail cam every couple of days (pointing toward different sections of the water) if your results are minimal snapshots.
Wildlife Path Placement
Following animal prints is the best way to discover a wildlife path. Placing the trail cam along the wildlife path may generate several triggers, so experiment with direction. Start with facing the trail cam toward the north. If snapshots tend to be of the back end of animals (no frontal shots), try facing the trail cam to the south.