BUCKLOCK™Allow access
When prompted, allow Camera, Microphone, and Photos access. BuckLock needs these permissions to detect, record, and save video.
Field reference · v1.1 Build 15
BuckLock User Guide
Set up your iPhone, choose how BuckLock detects and records deer, and learn what every camera control does before heading into the field.
Before the hunt
Quick start
Mount in landscape
Secure the iPhone horizontally and point it toward the trail, lane, or opening where you expect the deer to appear.
Frame a wide view
In Camera Settings, choose a Starting Zoom from the available values. Use 1× for a wide view and keep Starting Zoom no higher than Maximum zoom. Automatic zoom can move closer after detection.
Confirm standby
A flashing green status dot beneath the white antler logo means BuckLock is scanning. Keep the app open and the camera view unobstructed.
Main controls
Camera screen
Settings button
Hold your iPhone in landscape. Tap the three lines in the upper-right corner to open the Camera Settings panel on the right. Scroll within the panel to see the lower settings.
Antler logo and status dot
The small white BuckLock antler logo appears above the status dot. The dot flashes green while scanning for deer and stays solid red while recording. This screen-only overlay does not appear in saved videos. The logo and dot appear at the upper left in the screenshot.
Record Button Position
Choose Left or Right in Camera Settings. BuckLock remembers this choice between sessions and places the detection indicator on the same side. Left is selected in these screenshots; Settings remains on the right.
Record button
Tap the large button on your selected side to begin or stop manual recording. It is on the left in the pictured selection. Use this whenever you want to record before automatic detection begins.
Manual backup: If you see a deer before BuckLock detects it, tap Record. Manual recording is always available and does not require a detection.
Camera settings
Camera settings and zoom
Automatic recording
When enabled, BuckLock starts recording after a deer passes the detection and verification settings. Turn it off when you want manual recording only.
Automatic zoom
When enabled, BuckLock smoothly zooms from Starting Zoom toward Maximum zoom after detection, then smoothly returns to Starting Zoom when the automatic zoom cycle ends. Turn it off to keep the view at your selected starting zoom.
Maximum zoom
Choose 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, or 6× to set the automatic zoom limit. Starting Zoom must not be higher than Maximum zoom. A lower maximum keeps more of the scene visible; a higher maximum makes the subject larger but narrows the view.
Starting Zoom
Choose the initial view and the view BuckLock returns to after automatic zoom. The available Starting Zoom choices stay at or below Maximum zoom. The screenshot shows choices from 1× to 5×, with Starting Zoom 1× and Maximum zoom 5× selected.
Detection confidence
Scroll down in Camera Settings to adjust how certain BuckLock must be before treating an object as a deer. The screenshot shows 55%. Lower values are more sensitive but may create more false detections. Higher values are stricter but may miss distant or partly hidden deer.
Verify detection
Choose 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 seconds for how long BuckLock must continue seeing a deer before automatic recording begins. The screenshot shows 0.5 sec. Shorter times react faster. Longer times help filter brief false detections.
Good starting point: Begin near 55% confidence with 0.5–1 second verification. Increase either setting if moving branches or other objects trigger recordings.
Camera settings
Detection settings, recording duration and display
Record after last detection
Choose 15, 20, 30, 45, or 50 seconds for how long automatic recording continues after the last detection. The screenshot shows 30 seconds. Longer times are useful when deer move behind cover, but they create larger video files.
Dim camera preview
Dims the on-screen camera view during use. This can reduce distraction in low light; it does not intentionally darken the saved video.
Scan power
This read-only indicator shows the current detection-power state. The screenshot shows LOW POWER while BuckLock watches the scene.
Zoom
This read-only indicator shows the current live zoom level. The screenshot shows 1.0×, matching the selected Starting Zoom.
Best results
Field setup
- Use a rigid phone mount and tighten it before the hunt.
- Keep the lens clean and make sure the case does not block the camera or microphone.
- Avoid nearby branches, blind fabric, or grass moving across the foreground.
- Keep the expected shooting lane near the center of the frame.
- Use a wider maximum zoom when deer may enter from several directions.
- Start with a fully charged battery and confirm that the iPhone has enough storage.
- Run a short test recording after mounting the phone, then confirm that it saved to Photos.
Quick fixes
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Video does not save | Confirm Photos permission is enabled and the iPhone has available storage. Make a short manual test recording. |
| Automatic recording does not start | Confirm Automatic recording is on. Lower Detection confidence slightly or shorten Verify detection, then test in good light. |
| Too many false recordings | Raise Detection confidence, increase Verify detection, and remove moving branches or fabric from the foreground. |
| Deer moves out of frame during zoom | Choose a lower Maximum zoom and begin with a wider field of view. |
| No sound in the video | Confirm Microphone permission is enabled and the case or mount does not block the microphone. |
| Battery drains quickly | Start fully charged, dim the preview when practical, reduce screen brightness, and consider an external battery for long sits. |
Still need help? Email info@bucklock.com with your iPhone model, iOS version, and a short description of what happened.