He had just come from a local one-hour photo developer and was overjoyed with the results. From the blue plastic folder, Kevin handed me some great pictures of both deer and turkeys.

It's exciting to get film developed, not knowing what the camera took during the last 24 hours.

The latest rage in outdoor photography is the DeerCam. It is a small 35 mm camera that operates by both infrared and motion. By placing the camera, which is in a camouflaged, water- proof container, along a deer trail or feeding area, pictures are taken of anything that triggers the electronic device.

Jerry from Lexington has some great pictures of a 500-pound black bear. Others have photos of coyotes, raccoons and turkeys. Many of the pictures are taken at night, and the flash doesn't seem to bother the animals. Often curiosity gets them though. Kevin had a picture of a small button buck that must have heard the camera automatically wind for the next shot.

As he approached the camera, it just continued to take pictures. A final close-up of just the little deer's nose and eyes was incredible.

One of our friends from Sidney Center had his camera below his tree stand every night after he was through hunting. Each night the same big 8-pointer was captured on film just a few yards from the tree. Tim never saw that big buck during the day, so he never was able to harvest him.

It's not unusual to get some blank photos. Falling apples and leaves can trigger the camera to fire. All you can do is look at the foliage in the snapshot and wonder.

I find the camera a wonderful scouting tool. By strategically placing it on runways or in favorite spots, I know what animals are around and using that particular area. My camera is taking pictures of every animal that is feeding on a certain apple tree up on our hill. From the scrapes and rubs in the area, I know there's a good buck around. Tomorrow I will see him on film and be able to plan my hunt.

Snow geese by the millions...

Last week I stopped at the Putts Creek Wildlife Refuge just east of Crown Point on the lower end of Lake Champlain. There had to be a million snow geese there. As far as you could see, the ground was covered with the white geese with black-tipped wings. Besides those on the ground, thousands more flew overhead.

Snows have become a real problem. Hunters can take 15 a day with no possession limit.

You might want to take a nice day trip and visit the refuge. There are several viewing areas, but wear a pair of boots or rubbers. A million geese leave quite a mess.

What's happening?

A hunter education course will be held at the Sidney Center Rod and Gun Club on Friday, Nov. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. until finished. Call Jason at 432-3341 to pre-register.

Rick Brockway writes a weekly outdoor column for The Daily Star. E-mail him at brockway@dmcom.net.