Moultrie’s Edge Pro 2 is a cellular-scouting win loaded with features and priced right.
by Jace Bauserman
Colorado is a sticky state regarding the use of cellular trail cameras. These game-changing devices are legal, but there is a stipulation. Colorado’s Division of Wildlife regulates cellular trail cameras to prevent real-time tracking and immediate responses to wildlife images. Cellular trail cameras can be used year-round, but hunters cannot pursue game for 48 hours after a photo is delivered.
I use cellular trail cameras as much as possible but remove them during hunting season. I want to hunt whenever the mood strikes me. However, I continue to run cellular trail cameras on properties I’m not hunting to learn more about the animals on those properties. There is no question in my mind: cellular trail cameras provide valuable, immediate intel that gives hunters an edge.
I’m ultra-impressed with Moultrie’s Edge 2 Pro Cellular Trail Camera. For less than $120, this cellular scouter sports a compact, durable Moultrie Oak Gray color that blends seamlessly into most environments. Moultrie also offers the Edge 2 Pro Cellular in First Lite’s Specter Camo as well.
Moultrie Edge Pro 2 Set Up
I appreciate the latched door design, which keeps the elements out. The antenna is wide and tall and conveniently stored on the side of the camera’s housing when unused. I’ve tested many cellular trail cameras with poor antennas. A sub-par antenna build leads to an inconsistent Wi-Fi connection, and Mother Nature will take its toll over time. Once deployed and in use, this antenna is durable, doesn’t loosen, and helps provide an excellent camera-to-phone connection.
The Edge 2 Pro is tough and nails, and has many features that make it a go-to in the woods. Setup is a breeze. Download the Moultrie App on your smartphone, scan the QR code, and the app will walk you through the setup process. Moultrie offers several photo/video package plans at a reasonable price. Aside from inserting batteries and flipping the unit to the ON setting, setup is completed on your smartphone. Once turned on, the Edge 2 Pro uses a series of labeled flashing lights to show you the unit is connecting. Auto Connet allows the camera to connect to all four major networks so you get the best Wi-Fi signal possible.
Once on and operating, use the Edge 2 Pro’s Easy-Aim Mount to ensure your camera is angled correctly and covering the exact area you want it to. The camera has a 100-feet tested-and-confirmed detection and flash range. The No-Glow flash captures images in complete darkness without an infrared glow or game-spooking strobing flash.
Once Set, the camera starts sending images based on your chosen delivery settings. One of my favorite features, and one that saves setup time and a lot of headaches, is the camera’s built-in memory. Free Unlimited Cloud Storage means no SD cards. Everything is stored in the cloud.
Moultrie Edge Pro 2 Recommendations
This cellular scouter has much going for it. Please read the instruction manual and take advantage of all the Edge 2 Pro’s features. One of my favorites is GPS location. You can mark every camera’s GPS position so you don’t lose track of a single camera, which is easy to do when you get a lot of cellular scouters out in the field.
Depending on the area I’m hunting, I also typically enable Smart Tag A.I. This feature allows the camera to recognize and tag images based on what you’ve selected during the setup process. During deer season, I choose the Smart Tag boxes of buck, doe, person, vehicle, coyote, and bobcat. Doing this reduces the number of false triggers your camera takes, and you know that any image you look at will only feature what you’ve assigned Smart Tag A.I. to capture. If you only wanted your Edge 2 Pro to capture bucks and does, you can set it up that way. Smart Tag A.I. also allows you to select turkey, hog, and bear as well. Do not turn Smart Tag A.I. on if you want the camera to capture all animal activity.
The app also allows users to use Activity Charting. One of my favorite features, Activity Charting, tells you at a glance what camera locations receive the highest traffic for deer and turkeys. Smart Tag A.I. must be on for Activity Charting to work effectively.
You can also map your hunting property for no extra charge. Free interactive maps let users choose from over 20 pins like treestands, blinds, food plots, etc., to help you create a strategic map of your hunting property. Plus, the Moultrie App provides up-to-date hourly forecasts so you can work with, not against, Mother Nature. Moultrie developed an all-in-one system that will tip the odds of success in favor of the hunter.
Wait, There’s More
Currently, I have six Moultrie Edge 2 Pro cameras in the field. They have been grabbing images and helping me compile intel since March 10. Thus far, the cameras seem bulletproof. They have withstood rain, hail, snow, and heavy wind. Image delivery is consistent. I also appreciate the ability to request high-definition videos, which typically get delivered the next time the camera takes a picture. The videos are uber-clear and have sound, which is awesome. The app makes the cameras a breeze to operate, and should you have any issues, Moultrie’s customer service is second to none.
Moultrie brands the unit with a .30-second trigger speed time. My testing confirms this, and I’m confident the unit’s picture-snapping ability is even faster. Animals are centered in the middle of the photo, and the images are typically extremely clear.
Another feature I love is that Moultrie’s App updates you on the health of your cameras (battery life). You’ll know when you need to visit the woods to recharge a battery (more to come) or add fresh AA batteries.
After one month of using AA batteries, I switched all my cameras to Moultrie’s Edge Series Power Mag Plus. Testing proved that this power bank far surpassed the life of 16 AA batteries. Using a USB-C fast charging device, this long-lasting power pack charges to full in less than an hour. A battery indicator lets you know when the Mag Plus is charged. These eco-friendly batteries are worth their weight in gold. Pop out the camera tray, insert the Mag Plus, and you’re ready.
I don’t like visiting my cellular trail camera sites. The more I visit them, the more I spread my human footprint. For this reason, I’ve invested in three 10W Solar Power Packs. Compatible with Edge Series cameras, USB-C devices, and other major cellular trail camera brands, these high-efficiency panels generate 3-times more power than a standard solar panel. If a 10W Solar Power Pack is full, it will run a camera for up to nine days without sunlight. I tested this feature and got 11 days of operation with little to no sunlight. The IP65 housing is varmint and weatherproof, and the slide-and-clip back panel makes attachment a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Moultrie continues to revolutionize the scouting game. The Edge 2 Pro and the many camera accessory options Moultire offers will give you the upper hand this coming season.
