i check mine every week. i just can't hold myself back longer then a week i have 4 out now and i tried to get them so i check them all on different days. i wish i could wait longer probably have more and bigger deer. i have been having a nig problem this year with bears thinking my cameras are toys and batting them around lightly and moving them so i don't get any pics > but they haven't broke any yet. thats the other reason i check often, a camera pointed at the ground for a week doesn't help much lol