- Don’t appear in the area smelling of soap/toothpaste/deoderant etc. This means washing with plain non scented soap, cleaning teeth not less than a couple of hours before going out, to avoid badger picking up scent of you. Also, avoid mints/chewing gum etc

- Wash clothing to be worn for badger spotting with plain washing powder but prior to this run an empty load in the washing machine with 2 to 3 cups of baking powder. This rids machine of smells.Do not use fabric conditioner or brighteners. After washing clothes, and drying outdoors, put gear in sealed plastic bag until required, to avoid household smells.Naturally if you are outdoors, the camp fire smoke smell on clothing is fine.Ultimate help in the scent department is to locate the badgers’ latrines and tread in them.
- Cover hands as they will shine out. Wear natural colours, drab not bright.
- I find dusk is the best time. I take up my position and wait patiently, quietly and calmly. I think if you are not relaxed you will make your presence apparent, which you do not want to do.
- When out, look for regular runs that the badgers use. For a successful watch, always avoid being out in the open. Make sure you are sitting, either up a tree above a regular area, or sitting in silhouette with a tree, so the landscape looks no different to the badgers. They know the territory like the backs of their paws, so will soon suss out if there is a new shape in the environment.If necessary lie down. I have on many occasions sat within arm’s reach of badgers who seem oblivious to me as I have not changed their surroundings.I sometimes leave food on the runs such as fruit, or wild food, whatever is around for the time of year. This gives time for you to have a good study, and take photos. I have photographed and video recorded these animals and it has not phased them. I have used a torch to watch with no problem to the badgers, maybe it seems like moonlight!

Keep up the good work
Regards

I share you’re frustration at trying to photogragh badgers. I know their sets, their paths, hangouts, I see their tracks but are they ever around to see? Most times that I encounter them is late at night when drivng down quiet lanes with the spotlights on.
The other day I came across one during daylight, trotting down the lane. I sruggled with my rucksack, fought with my camera bag, and fiddled with the ‘on’ switch. Too late, he was through a hole in the hedge and gone. One day….