For some reason, if the deer is walking straight to the camera, it has to get really close before the sensors pick it up. I don't know why, but if the deer is crossing the camera, the sensors find it easier. The instructions that came with mine said that in that situation, the deer could be as close as 8 feet before it "sees" it. Maybe just move it to a different tree, turned 90 degrees from how it is now. One good thing.......at least you know it works.