Waterfowl hunting is fast-paced and exciting. Birds can approach without warning, shots happen quickly, and there isn’t always time to make adjustments. With the ShotKam camera, you can capture and save important moments in the field.

The Gen 4 is designed for bird hunting and built to handle all conditions while recording high-quality videos. In this guide, we’ll share five practical tips to help you set up your ShotKam, choose the right settings, and relive your best waterfowl hunting shots.

Watch the video below to see real waterfowl hunts captured with the ShotKam Gen 4.

1. Keep the Barrel Out of the Frame

The ShotKam Gen 4 mounts directly onto the barrel and always sits below it. To reduce or prevent the barrel appearing in your videos, you can adjust how close the ShotKam is positioned to the muzzle:

• 2.7K video format (default format for Flying Birds): Position the front lens within 8 inches (20 cm) of the muzzle

• 4K video format: Within 5 inches (13 cm) of the muzzle

Keeping the camera closer to the muzzle prevents the barrel from entering the shot, so you can keep a clear view of the bird. 

Pro Tip: Always ensure the ShotKam is mounted at least 3 inches (7 cm) from the muzzle to protect the lens from debris.

2. Confirm the Correct Settings in the ShotKam App

For waterfowl hunting, the Flying Birds target type is essential. This setting is optimized for birds and provides you with the best zoom, field of view, and video length.

Before your hunt:

1. Turn on your ShotKam Gen 4 and connect to the ShotKam Wi-Fi network.

2. Open the ShotKam App and go to Shooting Settings.

3. Select Target Type: Flying Birds.

4. Choose the correct Shooting Device for your shotgun (over-and-under, semi-auto, or pump).

5. If you prefer a different reticle, tap Reticle to select another option, such as the Red Dot.

Pro Tip: In Flying Birds, your ShotKam records 3 seconds before the shot and 3 seconds after, then plays back at one-third speed. This gives you a complete view of the bird, the shot, and the hit.

3. Bump the Gun When Birds Are Approaching

When the ShotKam is in Normal Shooting Mode, it will enter Sleep Mode after 30 seconds of no shooting to conserve battery. When you see birds, it’s critical to follow these steps:

• Lightly bump the stock or forend with your hand to wake the camera, or press the control button once to wake it manually.

• Look for a solid green LED light, which means the camera is awake and ready to save videos.

• Take the shot when you’re ready. 

If the camera is asleep and you shoot without waking it, your shot might not be recorded.

Pro Tip: Each bump resets the 30-second timer, so it’s a good habit to bump the gun when you see birds approaching. After a few shots, this will feel natural and instinctive. 

4. Follow the Bird Down After the Shot

One of the easiest ways to improve your hunting footage is to stay on the bird after the shot. Instead of dropping the gun immediately, keep your mount and follow the bird if it is safe to do so. This creates a professional video that shows the shot from start to finish.

The ShotKam saves multiple shots taken within 9 seconds as one continuous video, so staying on the bird results in a cleaner, more satisfying playback.

5. Review Your Videos in the Field

Watching your footage during the hunt is not only entertaining, but can also help you make adjustments in real time.

To review shots:

1. Connect your phone or tablet to the ShotKam’s Wi-Fi.

2. Open the ShotKam App and tap Watch Videos.

3. Select a clip to replay in slow motion or scroll frame-by-frame.

Reviewing in the field lets you:

• Confirm that the camera angle and barrel position look right

• Spot mounting or timing habits you may not notice otherwise

• Make quick adjustments before the next bird

Pro Tip: Your videos are saved on the ShotKam’s internal memory, and you can download and save clips directly to your phone or tablet: Instructions for saving videos. 

Conclusion

The ShotKam Gen 4 is built to handle all hunting conditions. With the right setup and a few simple habits, you can consistently capture footage that shows every shot in detail.

Whether you’re reviewing your own hunts or sharing clips with friends, these tips will help you get the most out of every waterfowl season.

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Top 5 ShotKam Footage Tips for Waterfowl Hunts