Phillip Vanderpool of Hunter's Specialties (left) has extensive knowledge relating to both operating high-tech video equipment and hunting in front of the camera.

Another integral step in the filming process involves properly setting up to create both a shot opportunity and a video opportunity. Michael prefers to hang stands around the 20-foot range to eliminate issues relating to scent and movement during the hunt. He also takes extreme measures to eliminate scent by insisting that both he and his cameraman wear carbon clothing like a Scent-Blocker suit and spray down with a scent-eliminating spray like Hunter's Specialties Scent-A-Way. Michael feels that these extra steps can save you in a pinch when the wind swirls or changes direction.

In addition, he also likes to target open areas that will allow his cameraman to gather maximum footage of the deer approaching the stand. The general rule of thumb is to burn as much tape as possible during the hunt. Another piece of advice from Michael is to try to be natural on tape and don't be afraid to talk openly or show emotion, especially after you've dropped a nice buck. Lastly, it is very important to have a cameraman who has hunting experience and woodsmanship skills that go beyond the scope of running the camera.

"This will dramatically increase your success in the field and the quality of your hunting footage," Michael explains.

HIGH-TECH WITH PHILLIP VANDERPOOL
Phillip Vanderpool of Hunter's Specialties can be summarized as a man who wears two hats. He's a phenomenal hunter as well as an excellent cameraman who has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge relating to videotaping hunts professionally. If you've watched any of the "Primetime Bucks" footage from Hunter's Specialties, more than likely you've already seen Phillip smoking a monster buck or filming one of the other pro staff members in the stand. Listen closely to what he has to say, and you'll be laying down professional-grade footage this season.

"As a cameraman, the two most important pieces of advice I can give to someone just getting into videotaping hunts is to remember to hit the record button and to always use manual focus," Phillip begins. "It sounds simple, but a lot of times when a big buck suddenly appears it can be real easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to hit 'record.'

"Second, stay away from the auto-focus feature on your camera. When you're using auto-focus, the camera will be focusing on things that may be close to you -- like trees and other objects -- instead of the deer. On many cameras, you'll need to adjust the focus knob clockwise as the deer walks toward you and counterclockwise as it walks away."

Furthermore, Phillip strongly recommends shooting from a tripod when hunting from the ground. The most important feature of the tripod is that it should have a fluid head that is smooth and can rotate. A high-quality tripod is essential for videoing hunts on ground level and will allow you to capture steady footage, along with fluent pans of the area. Phillip also emphasized the importance of always using a tree arm or base when filming from a tree stand position.

How can everyday hunters get access to high-tech gear that will enhance the quality of their video footage? Well, thanks an explosion in the popularity of videotaping hunts in recent years, many companies are currently providing the consumer with professional-grade video equipment. The folks at the Campbell Outdoor Challenge hit the market with an exclusive fluid-head tripod that is custom made for videoing hunts on ground level. In addition, Lone Wolf Tree Stand Company is making an adjustable camera mount called the Strong Arm that is perfect for filming from a tree stand.

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