Canadian hunting seasons don't wait for good weather. Late-season ducks and geese, December deer and January coyotes all mean cold mornings, snow and frost on the barrel. So the first question many hunters ask before buying a ShotKam is simple: will it keep working when the temperature drops?

The short answer: yes, it's built for it

The ShotKam Gen 4 keeps recording in sub-freezing temperatures, down to -10°C. It has an IPX6 water resistance rating, so snow, rain and spray won't stop it, and its military-grade aluminum body handles the knocks of a day in the field. It records automatically on recoil, so you don't need to take your gloves off to press a button before each shot.

Battery life in the cold

The Gen 4 gives up to 15 hours of battery life in normal use. If you switch on Constant Record Mode, so the camera never sleeps between shots, expect about 2.5 hours.

Like every lithium-ion battery, the ShotKam's battery runs down faster in the cold. These habits keep it going all day:

• Charge it fully the night before and keep it at room temperature until you leave.
• Keep it warm until you need it. Carry the camera in an inside jacket pocket on the walk in, then mount it once you're set up in the blind or stand.
• Turn it off during long quiet spells, and back on when birds or deer start moving.
• Bring a power bank. You can charge the ShotKam from a portable USB battery pack in the field.

Avoid condensation

Taking a cold camera straight into a warm truck or cabin can cause condensation on the lens. At the end of the day, leave the ShotKam in its case for a while so it warms up slowly before you open it up or download your videos.

Keep the lens clear

Snow and frost on the lens mean blurry footage. Use an orange lens cover while you walk in or wait, and give the lens a quick wipe before the action starts.

Why winter footage is worth it

Cold-weather hunts are often the ones you remember most, and the ones where a missed shot hurts. Your ShotKam video shows exactly where your barrel was on every shot, so you can see whether you stopped your swing on a passing goose or shot high on a deer in heavy clothing. Review it on your phone over the camera's Wi-Fi while you're still in the field.

Ready for winter? The ShotKam Gen 4 is C$899 in Canada with a 12 gauge mount, duties and taxes included, and free shipping. Shop the Gen 4.

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Does the ShotKam Work in the Cold? A Guide for Canadian Hunters