We did the research to find all the trail and game cameras made in the USA. Below, you’ll find our research, tons of details about each brand, and some tips for finding the country of origin when doing your own research.
Overall, we only found one American manufacturer leading the way in game camera production: Reconyx. In the electronics industry, it’s really tough to find 100% American made products. So, we broadened our scope a little and decided to include brands that may use some parts from overseas but still design and assemble their products in the U.S. and provide American jobs at their U.S. facilities. We previously had Cuddeback on this list, but found that they moved their manufacturing overseas.
Complete List of Trail & Game Camera Brands Made in the USA
Headquartered in Wisconsin, Reconyx has been manufacturing game cameras in the U.S. since 2002 and has become one of the industry leaders. They make cameras for professional researchers, wildlife scouting, law enforcement and surveillance, and of course, everyday hunters.
How To Find Trail Cameras Made In The USA
Finding US-made trail cameras can be quite a challenge because of all the internal components, such as the circuitry. The parts used to make circuitry can be sourced from many different countries. However, the USA does have local producers of the parts required to make trail cameras. So, theoretically, it is possible to find a trail camera made in the USA.
Here is what to watch for when hunting for American made trail cameras.
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
For a product to be labeled “made in the USA,” “all or virtually all” of the product must be made in the USA. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) protects the usage of this label and requires that everything from the raw materials used to the manufacturing of the product be made in the USA.
If you want to find out more about what this means, check out our guide on how to find products made in the USA.
Materials
To find US-made trail cameras, you must first research the materials used in the product. By understanding the source of the raw materials used, you are one step closer to finding a trail camera that is genuinely made in the USA. However, it is important to note that because many components make up a trail camera, it will be challenging to find one that is 100% made in the USA.
Plastic
Plastic is used in trail cameras as the outer protective covering. China is the leading producer of plastic, but the USA produces around 20% of the world’s plastic, which is not an insignificant amount. So although you are more likely to come across imported plastic, you should be able to find US-made plastic with some research.
LEDs
Taiwan is the world’s largest producing country of Light-Emitting-Diodes, followed closely by Japan and South Korea. The USA has a tiny share of the LED market. While there is a small possibility of finding LEDs made in the USA, they will be tough to come by. So when it comes to the LED component of a trail camera, it is most likely to have been made overseas.
Batteries
Batteries are used in trail cameras to power the product. China is the number one global manufacturer of batteries and produces around 80% of the world’s supply. The USA ranks second but produces a lot less, at about 6% of the world’s batteries. So like other materials, you are likely to come across imported batteries, but with thorough research, you should be able to find US-made batteries.
Labeling
The next crucial step in finding USA-made trail cameras is to pay attention to the labeling on the product. According to Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304 of the US code, all imported products must be labeled as such. This means if the product is imported, it will say so on the label.
When looking for trail cameras made in the USA, you need to look specifically for the “made in the USA” label on the product. Don’t confuse this label with others, such as “designed in the USA” or “manufactured in the USA,” as these labels mean that not every part of the manufacturing process takes place in the USA. Other labels, such as “made in America,” can also be used to confuse, as America can actually refer to either Canada or Mexico as well.
Watch out for the use of the American flag sticker on labels, as these stickers are not regulated. Just because the American flag sticker is on the label does not mean that the product is made in the USA. Make sure you do your research!
It is important to note that the “made in the USA” label is protected by the FTC, but there is no pre-approval process for using the label. Instead, the consumer is responsible for reporting any misuse of this label, and the companies are responsible for ensuring their product meets the label’s requirements.
Other Tips
Here are a few more tips to help you find a trail camera made in the USA.
Check the Company’s Website
The company’s website should include information on the country of origin of the product. Something being made in the USA is a huge selling point, and this fact should be advertised proudly on their website if this is the case. Check the website’s “About Us” page, where you should be able to find information on where the trail camera is made.
It is also important to know that there is no requirement to list the country of origin in any online product listing or advertisement, only on the physical product itself. So if there is a lack of information on where the trail camera is from, it is most likely made overseas.
Call the Company
If you are still unsure about where your product is made, call the company. A company representative should be able to answer all of your questions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision for your purchase.
Trail & Game Cameras Not Made in the USA
We came across several companies that are not making their trail and game cameras in the USA when doing our research. We’ve included a list below as well as where their trail and game cameras are being made.
- Campark – Made in China.
- Hawkray – Made in China.
- Ceyomur – Made in China.
- Alpha Cam – Made in China.
