Outdoor Blog

What is a Game Trail?

Published

6 years ago

April 14, 2020

If you are new to the sport of hunting or you are only just starting to pip your interest in wildlife in general you may have come across the term game trail. In this piece, we will explain in detail as to what a game trail is. Answering questions such as what causes them and why they are there. Not only that but we will let you know what you can do after it’s discovery.

A game trail camera may be employed in order to monitor the activity upon the game trail to see what’s really going on along its tracks. If you want to improve upon your hunting abilities or even if you’re just curious about what’s going on in nature, then read ahead. You’ll find out what a game trail is and how to use a game trail camera to see what’s going on

When you’re on one of your regular walks through the forest, keep a sharp eye out for game trails.

What is a game trail?

The short answer to the question is that game trails are pathways and routes that are formed by animals treading on top of them. The hooves and feet overturn the ground underneath causing it to form a common path. Time and time again animals will walk over these routes which causes a permanent path to be formed. They walk over them so much that these routes are often part of an animal’s daily route.

Game trails circle around in various ways, sometimes linking up with other ones and sometimes petering out. They tend to link where an animal sleeps, their feeding grounds are, and where their watering holes are. They may use different trails depending on the season such as being closer to the lower ground than on a hillside in the wintertime. This is due to the snow on the higher ground driving herbivorous to where there are still spurts of grass growing.

Game trails do not only point out the directions that the animals go in but they also show us which species live in the area. Hooves from deer will leave a deep mark on the ground. Additionally, deer and other herbivores often travel in herds which means that more are walking on top of the same path which deepens the marks that they make upon it.

Carnivores such as bobcats, on the other hand, do not tend to travel in groups and tend to travel in solitude if they are not with their young. The exception to this is wolves who travel in large packs in search of their prey. Because predators tend to travel solo their trails are harder to pick out. Also, they are lighter than deer or moose so their feet don’t create as big an impact on the ground below. Paws also distribute their body weight more evenly than the hoof of a deer which digs into the ground churning the dirt up.

Why do animals use game trails?

When a deer runs through a game trail, they can do so at speed. This is because they have already cleared the way over the years. If they were to run through the thicket they risk tumbling and ignoring themselves when fleeing from prey. But when they are skipping along the same trail as they have hundreds of times before, their feet will find the spots where their hooves fit into place with natural ease. Therefore, game trails are also a thing of comfort for deer as it is their means to escape from danger.

How long can a game trail stay for?

If you live in an area that faces heavy snow in the winter, take a walk in the forest when it’s covered in a blanket of snow. Due to snow lying on an area for a few days you will soon be able to notice where the animals game trails are due to the snow making it obvious. It is particularly easier to spot the game trails of predators due to paw prints becoming a lot more apparent than they would be if there was no snow.

It can also be harder to spot game trails if you are in an area that is more prone to heavy rain. The rain creates mud which can wash away from the obviousness of the trail. However, this can also make it easy to pick up trails as there are prints left behind.

Overall though, game trails can last for generations. As long as deer keep following along a trail that works for them they will keep doing so and as will their young. As long as these trails link the deer between food and water sources then they shall continue to use it. Why change something that isn’t broken right?

You must also consider that many animals have much poorer vision or a different type of vision for humans. Also, they don’t tend to have the same type of instinct for exploring and are quite territorial. Thus, they are likely to stick to the same trails as they are used to and they know that it will take them to comfort and safety.

Remember to carefully examine the leaves on the ground to check to see if deer are treading across it.

How to spot a game trail

There is quite often a bit of confusion between what trail has been made by animals and what ones have been made by humans. Your first point of reference to decide who it was made by is to look at the rest of the ground. If there is not too much of a difference between the trail and the rest of the ground then it is more likely that an animal made it. A human trail greats more of a distinction due to the treading down from shoes and hiking boots.

You should also take a close look at the makeup of the trail. You will perhaps notice a ‘tramline’ running through the middle. If it is fairly wide then it is likely to be from a deer. Think about when you are walking. Your feet are not spread far apart thus the trail left behind by humans will be more central.

Pay particular attention to leaves and other debris on the path. If there are leaves stuck to the trail within the mud then it is more likely to be because deer are treading across it. This is because the hoof of the deer will push the leaf down into the mud and the mud will stick to the topside. The flat sole of a shoe shall not penetrate the leaves as deeply however.

What to do when you find a game trail

When you find yourself a suspected game trail you should start to think about installing a trail camera. A trail camera shall confirm to you whether or not it is a game trail by the passing of fauna over a set period of time.

Choose a discreet spot somewhere along the path. You must make sure that it is likely to be out with the deer’s direct line of vision. It is recommended to fasten your game camera to a tree or to a branch at around three feet high from the ground. This is approximately the shoulder height of deer and offers the best shots to tell you the size, sex, and health of the deer.

Make sure that there are no obstructions for your game camera when you’re installing it. If there are any branches or bushes within the game camera’s line of vision then these could set off the motion sensor when the wind blows. Your game camera should also be positioned so that it gets a clear view of the trail so that it will have at least a few seconds to get some snaps. For example, if it is facing sideways with a low field of vision you are only likely to get some brief, blurry snaps that only show part of the deer.

You should also face it in a direction where the sunlight won’t affect it as much. The majority of the sun’s brightest glare comes at sunrise and at sunset, so make sure that your trail camera is not facing east or west. Depending on the location and general brightness of the area you are in you should consider whether or not you should face your camera to the south. This is the sun’s peak position throughout the day so if it is in a clear area and the sky doesn’t tend to be cloudy and overcast then perhaps it is best to face your camera to the north. This means that the light is coming in from behind and it will minimize the amount of glare on your trail cameras footage.

Also, take the general terrain into consideration. If it is in a heavily wooded area with limited light this can often be an ideal spot for your game camera. If it is dark then an infrared camera is one of the recommended ones to get the job done. These best sellers have no glow infrared, low glow infrared, or a gentle red light, none of which deer can see on their color spectrum. When the infrared flash goes off you will get a clear photo when the light is lacking or if it is a night shot.

What to do once you have set a camera by the game trail

You must also be tactful when it comes to checking on your game trail camera. If you visit it too often then it could perhaps ward the deer and other wild animals away from the trail if your scent becomes apparent and there is too much general activity. Deer can smell your scent from around half a mile away. So even if you don’t see any when you are checking on your camera you can expect that there is one further up the trail that knows you’re there.

One of the other things you should not do is to visit your game camera on consecutive days. A deer can hear your car door shut and can hear you trekking through the thicket. If you do that the next day the deer shall remember you and know to stay clear of the area for the next while. We understand that when you find a suspected game trail you want to know for sure that it is one, but being patient shall always yield better results.

Ideally, you should only pay a visit to your hunting camera once around every three or four weeks. The less the better. The only things that you should be checking it for is to take your memory card out of the SD card reader to check for results and to change the battery when it’s required.

One tip that we have so you don’t have to change the battery too often is to only use the recommended lithium batteries for your trail camera. If you opt for the cheaper alkaline batteries then the picture quality of your will often gradually diminish. With lithium batteries the power it takes to create the megapixels for the shot will stay consistent until the battery fully loses its power. This should last for many months and there should always be a constant 1.7 volts running through your hunting camera.

We know that many of you will have itchy feet to find out what walks down the game trail that you’ve come across. One way of knowing pretty soon without having to physically check on it is by investing in a cellular trail camera. These have a SIM card installed within them and when a photograph is taken of the game trail it will send the photo directly to your smartphone. Although this is an expensive option it means that you don’t need to visit your wildlife camera as often and thus you don’t disturb the game trail as much.

After you do the first check of your camera’s SD card you’ll soon know whether or not you’ve been successful in discovering a game trail. Deer and other critters tend to use the same trails on a routine basis, sometimes even every day and night. After a few months of espionage on the trail, you’ll soon be able to figure out roughly how many deer use it, how often they pass along it, and at what time they do it. With this information, you can begin to carefully plan how you will go about getting the kill that you want.

You can also pinpoint if there are any particular animals you want to go for. Maybe there’s an old buck that keeps passing by that’s long done his time and is no longer an essential member of the circle of life. These are great ones to target, and a 12 pointer shall look great when you place it’s antlers up in your trophy room. With careful management of your trail camera, you can turn this discovery of a game trail into a whole summer – and even longer – of fun.

Carefully researching a game trail before the hunting season starts can land you with a big buck.

Final Verdict:

Coming across a suspected game trail is a very exciting prospect. You want to find the routes that the deer and other wildlife love to roam in order for you to be on top when the hunting season opens. When you discover what you think is a game trail, first of all don’t tell anyone. You don’t want people to be walking near it or along it as this may scare away all of the deer.

Worse still you want to make sure that you’re the only hunter that knows about it. There would be nothing worse than finally getting to the day that you set out to get that big buck only to find out that it has vanished and that someone else has beaten you to the kill. The best game trails are the ones that nobody else knows about. You can have years of fun hunting along your favorite hunting grounds. Be sure to not overdo it though – you’re going to need some deer for the future seasons!

Remember to keep in mind how to make sure not to spook the deer on the trail. Infrared cameras should not spook them as they will never notice the flash when the camera goes off at night. Also be wary of approaching your camera to check on the memory card too often. The last thing you want to do to the game trail that you’ve invested so much time into is for the deer to be scared away from it.

Bonus tip: Here’s a quick video of a well set up hunting camera on a game trail. This is what you can expect if you set everything up just right!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

5 days ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

6 days ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.