2-3 weeks if possible in order to not hommie up your hot spots. In some areas I wait 3-4 weeks before going in and walking to retrieve my pics. Also, although its not season yet I still try to prevent as much of my scent as possible. I will spray down and wear rubber boats.. trail cams can be very benificial if used correctly but if you are going in and checking them every other day or every week, chances are you alerting everything that you are there.