Jadon's Hunting Cabin

I have had alot of people ask about my setup and what all i use to do it. So i wrote this page up. Hope it helps...

Cameras,

 I use the Sony® Handycam DCR-TRV280. You can clickhereto view more info on it. I like it because it's small and hardly any bulk up there in your way while trying to hunt or shoot. It's nothing fancy but it's inexpensive and gets the job done.

 Lately i have had a bit of people not believe that i didn't have someone else with me filming. Therefore i decided to start trying to film myself with a second camera, one on the deer and another on me. It seemed kinda hard at first but it's really neat once you get the hang of it. I just strap it to another tree nearby. One option is to position the second camera on a tree below me pointed up to my stand location. The other is to strap the it above me on the same tree my stand is on. The way the camera in my "2007  doe hunt", that you might have seen. I use a remote to activate the camera when i see action. For that camera i use the  Sony® Handycam DCR-HC32. Clickhereif you would like to view more info on that. It is also a great, small, and inexpensive camera as well. Both of them have manual focus and inferred night vision which, in my opinion, is a must for filming in the woods.

If you have the money,

Camera mounts,

 I have tried alot of different mounting systems for my camera and have found the HunterCam® Cradle to be the best. You may clickhereto view more on that. This particular mount clamps right to your stand and can adjust to pretty much anyone. I really like it because it's alot easier to set up then the kind you strap to your tree. Also i have found that alot of the times wile filming yourself you can never tell what side of your stand the deer are going to come to. With this, if they show up on the other side of wear your camera is mounted, you can just unclamp it and switch sides. Now, it's not easy of course with out drawing the deers attention but, at lest you have the option. The other great thing i like about it is it's smooth panning head. Most all of the cheaper models don't have that and how your camera pans around is a big plus to your footage.

(Tip) If you have the money, the fluid head Huntercam® Cradle (HD) is the best. If not, the cradle is the next best. I use them both. Depends on what camera setup you go with. If you go with the TRV-280 cam the Cradle will do just fine. Otherwise i would definitely recommend the Cradle HD if you go with the HDR-HC1 or A1U.

Above camera,

For my second camera that i activate with the remote, i use the Gorilla® Camera Arm. Clickherefor more details. This one you do strap to a tree. It's the best i could find that does the job and doesn't cost to much. Fr this camera of course, a smooth panning head doesn't really matter since it doesn't move once you set it anyways.

 Ground filming,

As for a ground tripod. You can use just pretty much any regular tripod you like. The one i use is a Solidex® but, the company discontinued them for some reason, so like i said anything will work for that. Just be sure the head panning action is nice. Because like i said before it's important if you want your footage to look professional at all.

(Tip) If the tripod has an detachable mounting plate (which most of them now days do) it's a big help in case you want to pop it off quick to film by hand or whatever. All of my tripods have that and i don't know what i would do without it.

Weapons,

As you can see in alot of my videos i love bow hunting. Don't take me wrong though, i definitely have no problem loading up the Muzzleloader or Shotgun.  

For you bow hunters,

 I have used quite a few bows in my archery history. I started out with an old PSE Nova in 2004. I would recommend it for anyone of the age 12 to 15 because the let off is nice, so is the price. Also it has full adjustable draw length for growing into. Most of you younger people might think it's to much of a "kids" bow. It's definitely not. I killed alot of deer with it and 80% where pass trough shots at 50lbs. If you are over the growing age and would like to continue bow hunting for awile. The Diamond Triumph is a great bow. I used that bow from 04 to 07 and would recommend it to anyone. Great speed, potability and accuracy, as long as quiet. If your really a pro check out the Martin Firecar Pro. The price really isn't that bad and it is definitely worth it. It's is my primary bow right now and i am very pleased with it. Great portability as well as looks. Very fast and coincident. I have taken deer at 50 yards with this bow and haven't lost or missed one yet. It's not a recommend bow rang but i feel very comfortable with the accuracy and power of the it that if i have a clear shot at that rang, as last resort, i will take it with the Firecat. I shoot mine at 65lbs and i think thats all a whitetail hunter should really ever need.

 For the gun hunters,

 I know in alot of states you can use a rifle. In Ohio and Maryland however where i do most of my hunting it's shotgun only. For that i use a Mossberg 500 with a deer straight bore barrel and shotgun scope. The gun is deadly upto 120years for me. Muzzleloader is a great time to take advantage of less hunters in the woods and bigger chances for the trophy buck. For that i am using the CVA Optima Pro with 100grains of pyrodex powder and T/C 240grain sabot slugs. I have found the gun deadly upto 150years with a 6-9 x 40 scope. Those are really only guns i ever use.

 (Tip) If you like bow hunting and are looking for a trophy buck, then get out there before gun season even starts. All of my wall hangers have been bow kills. It's a great way to go. Otherwise try to find a crossing point or trail that deer use during shotgun season. I found the best and sometimes only way you can harvest a deer during shotgun/rifle season is let the other hunters in your woods do the flushing for you. Based on public land. Privet is like gold if you have it.

Treestands,

 If your a bow hunter the Summit razor SS is a great stand. It's light weight and compact but yet comfortable. I like it because you can fold the railing down for bow once your set up so you can freely shoot sitting down or 360 standing up. I also like their design on how it bites the tree. It's alot safer and easier to use then alot of self climbing stands i've seen. Also i find it pretty comfortable. Last but not least it's one of the only bow stands i know out there right now that you can climb a Huntercam to on either site without modifying anything to it. Look it up

If your a gun hunter,

If you don't use a compound bow and want a safe and very comfortable self climbing tree stand. Check out the Tree Lounge. I've have taken many deer outta this stand with and gun or cross bow. The big plus on this stand is how you sit. It's so comfortable it makes it where you can stay in the woods for a few extra hours that might just pay it off. You can get the bow hunter package where you can stand to shoot compound but you can not film wile standing therefor i use the Summit for that.

(Tip) If your looking to self film or film someone else in a tree. Both the stands listed above are the only good stands i've found that allow you to use the Huntercam camera arms and stay safe and comfortable wile in a tree for hours.

Please note,

Always wear a safety harness. The Summit comes with one if you buy it new. I personally think it's well worth the money though to invest in a Hunters Safety System vest. I have the reversible one for bow and gun and really like it. Very comfortable and super easy to put on or off. Tree Lounge however should come with a built in safety belt. So if you go with that you may not need a vest.

 Picture above was taken in 2007

 (Tip) Another site i found quite helpful if you are looking to film your self, or just want to see how it's done. I would recommend checkingthispage out.

 Please note,

Everything on this page is just based on my opinion and experience as a young hunter/videographer. Things may be different for you and not work out the same as they do for me. I just wanted to post how i work and in hopes that you could get some useful pointers and tips from it. If you have any further questions about anything, feel free to e-mail me at jed41189@yahoo.com