I dont like trail cams but thats only b/c they are expensive and I still need new broadheads!!!!! And camo, blah, blah, blah I'm broke.

Now more on-topic: Trail cams are perfectly acceptable b/c they are the equivalent of a predator learning the habits of game in a particualr area, the same as if you went out before deer season and staked out the animals' behavior. The thing is, most people dont have the time to do that, so trail cams are a great alternative. However, if you havea couple of days before opening day,haul out some camo, and find out exactly where the bucks are yourself.