Action-firearms- It means the operation of the mechanisms that load, fire, and unload a weapon.

Abomasum -game animal-The fourth, or digesting, chamber of the stomach of a cud-chewing animal, like the whitetail deer

Air Scent-hunting-The airborne scent left by a person, animal or object.

Air washed Bird-hunting-A bird that lands and doesn't move or falls in the air and hits the ground is often said to be "air washed" and gives off very little scent on the ground and is difficult for dogs to find.

Allen Wrench-gear/equipment-An L-shaped tool that works like a screwdriver, used on screws with hexagonal holes in their heads (found on all compound bows). They are sometimes called hex wrenches.

AMO Speed Rating-archery-The Archery Manufacturer's Organizationset this standard for evaluating arrow speed. To discover the AMO Speed a bow is set at 60 pounds, with a 30-inch drawand shooting arrows that weigh 540 grains. For today's compounds, speeds over 240fps are considered fast while anything under 220fps are relatively slow.

Ammunition (Ammo)-firearms- Projectiles, such as bullets and shot, together with their fuses and primers, that can be fired from guns or otherwise propelled.

Anchor Point-archery-This point is consistent from shot to shot and is usually at the corner of the mouth or on the chin. The point can be most anywhere on your face, as long as it is at your full draw length, and preferable at a place that is easily repeatable. Without a consistent anchor point you will never develop good form, and accuracy.

Antelope-game animal- An antelope is one of roughly 100 species found within the Bovidae family. Antelopes are closely related to other even-toed ungulates such as cows, horses, sheep, and goats. True antelopes are native to Africa and Asia, with the Pronghorn Antelope of the United States being classified entirely differently, despite the name. Pronghorns are known for blazing speed that can be sustained for miles, a curious nature, and an ability to tolerate dry, inhospitable terrain.

Antlers-game aniaml- The growths of bone-like material portruding from the skull of a male member of the deer family. Antlers are shed annually. On rare occasions, female cervids also grow antlers. Antlers are sometimes called "horns", although this term is incorrect.

Arm Guard-archery-A protective device worn on the forearm when shooting a bow (usually made of leather) to protect it in case of a string slap.

Arrow Fletch Jig-archery-Tool used to precisely align feathers or vanes that are being glued to an arrow shaft.

Arrow Saw-archery-A high-speed abrasive blade is used, along with an adjustable setting to precisely cut an arrows length.

Arrow Spinner-archery-A device for visually inspecting the “true” straightness of an arrow. Used by placing an arrow supported on each end, between two free running rollers. The arrow is spun quickly, and you can visually check to see if all components run true or not.

Arrow Straightener-archery-A tool consisting of a precision indicator, roller supports for each end of the arrow, and an arm used to apply pressure to the arrow to bend it "straight" by using the indicator as a guide.

Assembly Call-hunting-A series of pleading yelps that tend to get louder and more pleading. Both turkey hens and gobblers use this call.

Automatic-firearms-A firearm that continues to mechanically or electronically reload and fire a weapon as long as the trigger is depressed and ammunition remains in the firearm.. In many locations, to hunt with an automatic weapon is against the law.

Axle-archery- The axles are the shafts which a compound bow's cams rotate.

Back Weight-archery-A device added to the bow for target shooting (usually in pairs on a V-Bar), and in conjunction with a front stabilizer bar to perfectly balance a bow for a particular archers needs.

Baffles-hunting-Barriers placed on firing ranges to reduce sound and to contain bullets within a designated range area.

Bark-hunting-A term often used to describe the sound made by a squirrel excited by the presence of a predator or other danger.

Base Camp-hunting-A large camp with good amenities used as a base for all activities related to the hunt.

Bawl-hunting- An intense sound made by a traumatized or injured deer, used as an alarm to alert other deer of danger. Other game animals also emit warning sounds when startled or injured.

Beam-game animal-The main branch of a antler from which tines grown on a white tail deer.  This is also known as the main beam.

Beard-game aniaml- A hair-like growth that protrudes from a turkey's chest.

Bedding-hunting-In trapping, the act of making a leg-hold trap sit solidly in position so it will not tip or move should an animal step on a part of the trap beside the spring.

Bedding Area-hunting-A generally trampled area of grass or brush where deer rest and take cover during hot weather or to conceal themselves.

Bell/ beeper-hunting-A noisemaker attached to a dog's collar to help the hunter keep track of it in heavy cover. When the bell falls silent the dog is on point. Beepers are electronic versions, which often make a different sound when the dog stops to point.

Bellows Call-hunting-A type of squirrel call with a rubber device on one end that the hunter taps to produce a sound that imitates a barking squirrel.

Bipod-shooting-A two-legged support often used by varmint hunters, which is attached to the fore-end of a rifle, used mainly for long-range shooting.

Black-Mouthed Cur-dogs-A treeing dog (typically yellow with black around the mouth) often used by squirrel hunters. These dogs are "open-mouthed" on track, similar to hounds, barking while tracking a squirrel. Differ from mountain curs in having longer ears, a trait attributable to their hound ancestry. One of the newer breeds.

Blacktail Deer-game animal-A Subspecies of the whitetail deer, located in the western most states of North America. This deer has a darker body, black tail, and smaller frame compared to the whitetail deer.

Bleat-hunting- A sound made by does and fawns.  Does bleat in social situations, as a contact call with fawns, to express distress or occasionally to let a buck know the doe's location.  Fawns produce a bleat to keep in contact with does or as a call for help.

Blind-hunting- A hiding place for hunters and dogs to stay concealed from prey, generally a canvas or fabric structure. A blind can also be constructed from materials found in the field to blend into the current surroundings and to hide scent.

Blunt-archery-An arrow tip that does not contain a point or sharp blades and is used mainly for small game or for practice

Boone & Crockett Club-hunting-A club that created a standardized way to score deer racks and maintains a list or record book of big game records.  Boone & Crockett records rifle harvests.

Bovid-game animal-Animals with hooves and permanent horns. Includes cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, bison, and buffalo.

Body Gripper Trap-trapping-A style of steel trap that catches animals by the head or body, usually killing them quickly; also called a killer trap.

Boss Gobbler/ Boss Tom-hunting-The dominant male turkey in an area that often does the bulk of the breeding.

Bow press-archery-A mechanical device used to compress a bows limbs, so that the string and cables can be adjusted, otherwise worked on, or the bow limbs taken off.

Box Call-hunting-A wooden box with a lid screwed to one end. Moving the lid across the top of the box makes turkey sounds.

Breakline-hunting- A line between old timber forests and new growth of small trees and underbrush, utilized by deer for scraping and rubbing areas.

Break Point-hunting-When a pointing dog stops pointing and begins tracking again. It often happens with running birds like pheasants.

Breast Collar-hunting-The leather strap that goes around the chest of a horse to keep the saddle from sliding down the horse's back when going uphill.

Breeching-hunting-(britching)- The straps from a packsaddle that go around a pack animal's rump to keep the pack saddle from sliding forward.

Broadhead-archery- An arrow tip that is utilized for killing game such as deer, turkey, or boar and generally contains fixed or expandable blades of at least 1" diameter.

Browsing-hunting- Deer eat by quickly moving through the woods and chewing plants just enough to swallow them.  The deer then returns to a safe area and chews the cud for further digestion.

Brow Tines-game aniaml-The tines on an elk's or deer's antlers that are closest to the skull. In Colorado, for example, bull elk must have a 5-inch brow tine in many areas to be considered a legal bull during the rifle season. When counting a mule deer's antler points, brow tines are not counted, according to Western tradition.

Brush Loads-firearms-Shotgun shells containing either flat or square shot or a special spreader wad. In all three cases, the idea is to make the pattern open up very quickly for close range shooting.

Brush-Buster Pants-hunting-Pants with a layer of thick canvas or other heavy material on the legs to turn briars and other thorny plants when you hunt in dense cover.

Buck-game animal-A male deer. The male is discernible from the females by the set of antlers atop its head for seven months. Bucks grow antlers every year and then loose them after the matting season or rut.

Buck Rub-hunting- An area where a male deer has rubbed his horns leaving behind marks or damage. A buck will also do this to clean the velvet from newly formed antlers. Hunters use this as an indication that mature bucks have visited an area.

Bugle-hunting-The distinctive whistling, bellowing, grunting sound made by a bull elk in the rut. This sound can be imitated by skilled hunters to draw bulls in.

Bull-game animal-A male elk, moose, or caribou of breeding age.

Bullet Trajectory-firearms-The arc made by a bullet after it is fired from a rifle.

Button Buck-game animal-A male deer with small nubs for antlers. Usually a 1 to 1 ½ year old deer.

Calling-hunting- Imitating the different sounds deer or other game make to lure them into shooting range. Calling can be done with or without the help of certain sound making devices either manually or electronically operated.

Cackle-hunting- One of the various types of calls made by a turkey.

Calf-hunting-The young of the year for an elk, caribou, or moose.

Call-Shy-hunting-A turkey that doesn't respond to calling due to having been subjected to heavy pressure.

Camouflage (Cammo)-hunting- Coloration that helps the body blend in with the surrounding environments- whether it's a fawn with spots or a hunter's clothing. Many patterns of Camo exist to blend into different environments.

Cantle-hunting-The back of a seat of a saddle.

Caping-hunting-The process of cutting and removing the hide from the head, shoulders and neck of a game animal.

Caplock-black powder-A percussion muzzleloading rifle ignited by means of a hammer falling on a cap placed on a nipple.

Carbide Lamp-hunting-An old-fashioned kind of headlight used by coon hunters and others; calcium carbonate (carbide) was added to a receptacle, and when water was added, acetylene gas was produced. Igniting the gas as it exited through a small orifice produced a light used for the hunt.

Center Shot-archery-Is the point that places the arrow shaft directly in line with the string grooves on compound eccentrics or the center of the limb tips on recurves or longbows.

Cervid-game animal-A member of the deer family, such as mule deer, elk, moose, and caribou.

Chaps-hunting-Leather leggings that protect a rider. Pronounced "shaps." When pronounced "chaps," as in "two English buddies," that means the speaker is definitely not from the West.

Chinks-hunting-Loose-fitting chaps for summer riding.

Chronograph-archery-An electronic meter used to measure an arrows speed coming out of the bow. The arrow is shot through a "window" in the device, and gives out readings in fps (feet per second).

Cinch-hunting-The girth on a riding saddle or pack saddle.

Cluck-hunting-A series of clucks used when geese approach the decoys.

Coffin Blind-hunting-A one person blind used on land and in shallow water for hiding in sparse cover.

Cold-Dip-trapping-A method of dyeing steel traps by dipping them in a petroleum-based color material that has been thinned, usually with gasoline.

Comeback Call-hunting-A series of long, pleading honks/ quacks used as geese/ ducks leave the decoys.

Composite Stock-firearms-A molded rifle stock made of synthetic materials.

Compound Bow-archery-A bow that is made easier to draw by a system of wheels and pulleys.

Conditioning-hunting- A way of learning from experiences. Bucks become conditioned to be active only at nighttime during hunting season. Many animals become conditioned to avoid predators and define their actions as such.

Coniferous Tree-hunting-Any gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones. Coniferous trees keep their needles during the winter and deer often use these trees for cover and food sources during the winter. These trees are also known as pine trees.

Coues Deer-game animal-A shy, diminutive subspecies of the whitetail deer found in the deserts of the American southwest and Mexico.

Cover-hunting- Vegetation, grass, trees, rock formations, or man-made structures to conceal a hunter's position.

Cover Scent-hunting- A scent used to cover or hide human scent to hunt for deer and other big game animals.

Covert-hunting-A small piece of gamebird habitat, often huntable in a fairly short time.

Covey-hunting-A flock of quail, usually 6-15 birds. The group flush is known as a covey rise.

Covey shoot-hunting-To shoot at a covey rise without picking out a single target. Almost always results in a miss.

Cow-game animal-A mature female elk, caribou, or moose.

Cow Call-hunting-The act of imitating the chirping sound of a cow elk. Also the name for the devices used to make the sound.

Crossbucks-hunting-The upper extensions of a packsaddle upon which panniers are hung.

CRP-hunting-Conservation Reserve Program, a government program that pays farmers to grow grass or other cover on crop fields. CRP has resulted in a pheasant boom across the Upper Midwest.

Crupper or Crouper-hunting-A leather strap with a ring that goes around the base of a horse's tail and attaches to the skirts of a saddle to keep the saddle from sliding forward when going downhill.

Cutter-hunting-A mouth caller designed specifically for making cutts.

Cuttings-hunting-Remains of nuts or other mast left behind by feeding squirrels and used by hunters to help pinpoint their quarry.

Cut to Length-archery- Is when an arrow is cut to specified length to meet the specifications of the archer, the arrow is measured from bottom of nock to end of arrow shaft.

Dark Timber-hunting-(also called "black timber")- Thick stands of coniferous trees that make good bedding cover for deer and especially elk. In Colorado, dark timber is usually comprised of Englemann spruce and sub-alpine fir, and in most cases, it is considered virgin forest that has not been logged.

Deadfall-hunting-Branches and ground litter that serves as concealment when the hunter is on the ground.

Decoy-hunting-A plastic or wooden object that looks identical to the game being hunted, used to lure the game into shooting range. Decoys are used mainly to hunt for ducks, however many different species of decoys are commercially available.

Deer Yard-hunting-A small area of land that attracts a large number of deer during winter months.   These areas are usually attractive to deer because of the shelter and proximity of food sources.

Dewclaws-hunting-The two horn-like "toes" located on the ankle slightly above above a cervid's cloven hoof.

Diaphragm/ mouth call-hunting-A caller made from one to four thin latex reeds stretched in a frame that fits into the roof of the user's mouth.

Diversion-hunting- A distraction, of some sort, including but not limited to a bird, a dry shot, poison bird, a person moving, talking, yelling or walking, etc.

Diving Ducks-hunting-Ducks that feed in deep water by swimming down to reach food.

DNR-hunting- Department of Natural Resources-  A state agency in charge of wildlife management and hunting.

Dog-trapping-Part of a leg-hold trap that holds one jaw down when the trap is in a set position.

Doe-game animal-A female deer.

Doe Trail-hunting- A deer trail that is heavily used primarly by does and fawns.  These trails are also used by bucks durring the rut.  Look for trails with a lot of different size tracks and that are clear of most vegitation.

Dominant Buck-game animal- A male deer that establishes a territory and right to breed does in that territory by fighting and intimidation of smaller mail deer.  Dominant bucks are usually the largest deer in the area.

Double reed-hunting-A duck call with two vibrating reeds. Often the best call for beginners.

Draw length-archery-Is the measurement of the length of the nock end of the arrow to the bows grip pivot point for an individual archer. This changes to fit the individuals particular size. (Arm length, anchor point, etc.)

Draw stop-archery-A device on a compound bow that positively stops the draw at a set draw length.

Draw Weight-archery- The amount of force in pounds required to draw the bow string from start to locked position.

Drive-hunting-A method to hunt rabbits without dogs, in which drivers try to push rabbits from a narrow band of cover to standers up ahead who are ready to shoot in a safe direction if game appears.

Drop Tine-game animal- An antler point or tine that grows straight down from the main beam on the antlers of a mature whitetail deer.

Drummer-hunting-Another name for ruffed grouse, based on the bird's habit of drumming by beating the air with its wings in the spring to attract females.

Eccentric-archery- The cam or part of the bow that is designed to control the stored energy of the bow.

Elevation-hunting-1) The vertical point of impact of a rifle, particularly as noted on a scope or rifle sight. If a rifle is shooting too low when sighting in, the shooter must adjust its elevation. 2) The distance above sea level. "At elevation" is a term describing being in the high country where the air has less oxygen and physical demands are greater.

Estrus Doe-hunting-When a doe is in heat, typically a 2-4 day period of time when that doe is cabalbe of breading and will let a buck bread her.

Exit Pupil-shooting optics-You can calculate the exit pupil, or the size of the beam of light that leaves the optic, by dividing the diameter of the objective lens by the magnification. A larger exit pupil yields a brighter image.

Exotics-game animal-Big game animals that are not native to the terrain they inhabit.

Eye Relief-shooting optics-How far you can hold the scope from your eye and still see the whole viewing field, is listed as a range. Hunters are usually satisfied by eye relief of 3 to 4 inches.

Fall-hunting- The spot on the ground or water where the item to be retrieved fell or the season where the deer hunt generally begins in many areas of the country.

False point-hunting-When a pointing dog points where there is no bird.

Fawn-hunting- A newborn or baby deer.  When baby deer are born the usually have white spots on them to help the hide in thick vegetation.

Feather-archery- A 2-5 inch sheathing made of feather-like material (either artificial or natural) that is attached to the shaft of the arrow and is used to cause arrow rotation which increases speed and accuracy.

Feed call (feed chuckle)-hunting-A staccato "ticka-ticka" call that sounds like a flock of feeding ducks.

Feeder-hunting-Goose decoy with the head down as if feeding.

Feist-dogs-A small type of squirrel dog, usually black and white or black with tan trim, weighing 20-27 pounds. Often confused with rat terriers, but the ears of feists break over rather than sticking straight up. Usually bark only when treed, unless running a squirrel seen on the ground. Also used to hunt varmints. Breed standards set by Treeing Feist Breeders Association.

Fender-hunting-The part of the saddle that descends from the seat to the stirrup under the rider's leg.

Field of View-shooting optics- Measured in feet, field-of-view is the size of an area that can be viewed at 1,000 yards. A larger number means you can view a wider area, while a smaller number means the viewable area will be narrower.

Fighting Purr-hunting-A loud, aggressive purring sound made by turkeys before and during a fight.

Flagging-hunting-A technique for attracting geese and sometimes diving ducks wherein the hunter waves a black (for Canadas and divers) or white (for snow geese) flag at distant flocks.

Flare-hunting-When ducks or geese suddenly turn away from a decoy spread after detecting danger.

Fletching-archery-The feathers or vanes on an arrow. Originally made of split turkey feathers, most vanes are now plastic.

Flight Birds-hunting-Migratory woodcock as opposed to locally hatched "residents". The woodcock is the only migratory upland gamebird other than the dove.

Flinch-archery-A "bad" form habit developed from anticipating the release of the arrow. The result is a poor release, possibly in the jerking of the bow arm, or of the release.

Flintlock-black powder-A primitive muzzleloading rifle fired by means of a hammer carrying a piece of flint that strikes a frizzen, showering sparks into the pan below that is primed with gunpowder, which carries a flame into barrel of the gun, igniting the powder within.

Float Calling-hunting-A two-person tactic in which one hunter sits ready to shoot, while the other retreats, calling, simulating a hen walking away from a gobbler.

Float Hunt-hunting-To jump shooting ducks by floating downstream in a canoe or small duckboat.

Flushing Dogs-hunting-Dogs that don't point but roust birds into the air near the guns. Flushers include all retrievers and spaniels except the Brittany.

Flute-hunting-The most popular type of goose call, generally 8 to 10 inches long.

Flydown Cackle-hunting-A loud cackle often made by hens flying to the ground from their roost first thing in the morning.

Follow-Up Shot-hunting-The second shot that a hunter must fire if he has wounded a big-game animal.

Fork Horn-hunting-A deer with two points on each of his antlers, sometimes known as a "two-point" in the West.

Form-hunting-The bed of a rabbit or hare, usually a depression formed in vegetation by the weight of the animal's body.

Friction Call-hunting-Any caller that produces sounds by means of friction as opposed to callers that produce sound by vibrating when they are blown into or sucked on.

Frizzen-black powder-A strike plate for the flint attached to the hammer of a flintlock rifle. When the hammer strikes the metal frizzen, sparks shower into the pan and conduct fire into the barrel of the gun, igniting the gunpowder within.

Furbearer-trapping-Any of the many species of mammals whose fur is of commercial value, such as mink, muskrat, beaver, otter, raccoon, bobcat, coyote, etc.

Gang Rig (longline)-hunting-Several decoys fastened at intervals to a long line with anchors at each end. Often used by big water hunters for putting out large decoy spreads.

Gauntlets-trapping-Elbow-length or (usually) shoulder-length rubber gloves worn by trappers when constructing water sets.

Gelding-hunting-A male horse that has been castrated.

Giardia Lamblia-hunting-An intestinal parasite found in many Western streams and rivers that infects people and animals by means of a spore passed into the water supply via feces. Most often called "giardia" or "beaver fever."

Glassing-hunting-The act of searching terrain for game by observing through binoculars or other magnified optics.

Glove-archery-Used by "fingers shooters" to protect the abrasion from the string that can lead to blisters. Usually just covers three fingers.

Gobble-hunting- The sound a turkey makes and the reason turkeys have gained the nickname of gobbler.

Gobbler Shaker/ Gobble tube-hunting-A caller activated by shaking that produces the gobble of the wild turkey. Used as a locator and occasionally as a call to challenge dominant gobblers. Can be unsafe in crowded woods.

Goose Chair-hunting-A low slung chair partially covered by a super magnum goose decoy, used as a blind in a decoy spread.

Grain-archery/firearms- The measure of weight usually used when weighing arrows or arrow tips. 7000 grains make a pound. Can also be used to describe the amount of powder contained in a shell cartridge.

Grapple-trapping-Two- or three-pronged metal hook attached to a leg-hold trap with an extended length of chain; used to stop a trapped furbearer from moving away from the sight where caught.

Greenhead-hunting-A mallard drake.

Greeting Call-hunting-Four or five excited quacks; usually used when a flock is approaching the decoys.

Greeting or Hail Call-hunting-Several loud honks made by geese to distant flocks.

Grip-archery-Area of the bow riser that is held when the bow is shot. Usually made of wood plastic, or rubber, and in one piece, or two side plates. Locates the bow precisely in the hand.

Ground Scent-hunting- (also "foot scent") the scent left by a bird's tracks through the cover.

Grunt-hunting- A low pitched vocal call made by a buck to indicate aggression toward another buck.

Guide-hunting-A professional whose job it is to lead hunts for clients.

Gun Dog-hunting- A dog trained to work with a hunter in tracking and pointing live game and then retrieving the game once it has been shot.

Gutshot-hunting-When a game animal has been shot in the paunch or intestines. A gutshot animal often escapes from the hunter, only to die a lingering death.

Habitat-hunting-The type of environment in which certain animals survive or live in.

Hen-hunting- Full grown adult female game bird.

Hen Cover-hunting-Light grass in pheasant country which often holds hens but not roosters.

Henned Up-hunting-A gobbler that is spending most of the day with his harem of hens is said to be "henned up". Such gobblers are very difficult to call.

Herbivore-hunting- Any animal including the deer which eats only plant materials.

Herd Bull-hunting-A dominant breeding bull elk, usually fully mature, and between four and seven years old.

Highball or Hail Call-hunting-A long, loud series of quacks intended to grab the attention of ducks in the distance.

Hinge-firearms- This type of gun opens when you push a lever at the back of the receiver after firing to allow for loading and unloading of a weapon, generally on single or double barrel shotguns.

Hitch-hunting-A general term for the series of knots and loops that are used to lash a load to a packhorse. There are many different hitches.

Hobble-hunting-A virtual handcuff for horses by which the two front feet of a horse are tied closely together so that the horse may not range far.

Hold-hunting-When birds sit still to hide. Birds that hold tight are very desirable when you hunt with dogs.

Holed-Up-hunting-Term used to describe a rabbit or squirrel that has eluded the dogs and/or the hunter by entering a tree cavity, hole in the ground or other such refuge.

Home Range-hunting-The area a deer lives in throughout its life, containing everything a deer needs to survive- food, concealment, etc. All animals have a home range and this term is used for bear, buffalo, or other game animals.

Honkers-hunting-Canada geese.

Hooks-hunting-Spurs.

Horns-hunting-A permanent protrusion from a game animal's head, as opposed to antlers, which are shed annually. Sheep and antelope species have horns, while deer have antlers. The protrusion from the pommel of a Western riding saddle.

Horning-hunting- The actions of a buck as it rubs it's antlers and forehead against a licking branch that is over a scrape.

Hunting The pursuit of game or wild animals.

In-line Muzzleloader-Firearms-A hybrid rifle built to reflect the definition of a muzzleloading rifle according to many states' game laws. In-line muzzleloaders are in many respects modern rifles using primitive technology. The rifles are loaded with black powder or Pyrodex via the muzzle and using a ramrod, but the powder is often pelletized and shooters often use saboted copper-jacketed bullets that would not otherwise be capable of loading in a muzzleloader. As well, the rifles use a modern "in-line" ignition system with a bolt that is similar to a high-powered rifle. The performance of an in-line muzzleloader is something between a primitive muzzleloader and a high-powered rifle.

Insert-Archery- The adapter which is placed into a shaft to make a nock or arrow point fit the shaft. Outserts are the opposite, they fit around the shaft.

Inside Spread-hunting-The distance between an animal's antlers measured at the widest point on the inside of each antler. This distance can be radically different than the outside spread, depending on whether or not the antlers have non-typical points on the outside.

Instinct-hunting-Behavior that is naturally ingrained in an animal. Some humans also refer to his or hers skills to hunt as instinct.

Interdigital Gland-game animal-A scent gland located between a deer's hooves that leaves a scent trail for other deer as that deer walks.

Iron sights-firearms-A pair of sights set atop the barrel of a rifle, one on the end of the barrel and the other near the breech of a rifle for accurate shot placement. Iron sights are very traditional and low-tech, and do not magnify the shooter's vision.

Ivories-game animal-The two teeth on the lower jaw of an elk that look like ivory but are not, really. Also called "whistlers."

Jake-hunting-A 1-year old, immature male turkey.

Jaw-trapping-A part of a steel trap that comes together because of the action of the springs.

Jerk string/ jerk cord-hunting-A cord attached to one or more decoys designed to be pulled by a hunter in the blind. Adds motion to a decoy spread by creating waves.

Jump dog-hunting-The dog in a pack of beagles or hounds most likely to first pick up the scent of a rabbit or other game animal and begin the chase; also called strike dog.

Jump shoot-hunting-To sneak up on ducks, startle them off the water into flight, and shoot them.

Jump shooting-hunting-To hunt rabbits without using dogs, by kicking brush piles, traipsing through dense thickets and otherwise inciting the rabbits to flush from hiding.

Jump the string-archery-When an animal hears the "twang" of an archer releasing an arrow and reacts, sometimes moving out of the path of the arrow before it arrives.

Kee kee-hunting-The whistling sound made by young poults, especially when lost. A very important call in fall.

Kinetic Energy-archery- Kinetic Energy = (arrow weight) / 450,800 x (arrow speed). Kinetic energy measures the level of penetration your arrow.

Kisser button-archery-An anchor locating device that is attached to the string, usually a small rubber or plastic disc that you fit in corner of you mouth on full draw and anchor. It helps keep a consistent anchor point, which is very important for consistent form and accuracy.

Krummholz-hunting-A botanical term to describe high-elevation Englemann spruce that grow in very thick clusters above the normal timberline. These trees rarely grow higher than ten feet tall, and are a favorite bedding haunt for high-country mule deer and bighorn sheep. Krummholz means "crooked wood" in German.

Kryptogamic soil-hunting-In very arid regions of the West, the soil is held firm against sudden winds and rains by a fragile network of organisms that binds it together in clumps. This soil is destroyed by the passage of any large animal or vehicles, and erosion is accelerated drastically with the destruction of kryptogamic soil.

Laminated stock-firearms-A rifle stock milled from layers of wood laminated together.

Landing hole/ landing zone-hunting-An open area in a decoy spread for birds to land in.

Lash Rope-hunting-A rope with a cinch attached to it that is used to lash a load down on top of a packhorse. The rope is usually 3/8 to 1/2-inch in diameter and 45-50 feet long.

Latigo-hunting-The strap of leather or nylon mesh that is used to tighten the cinch or girth on a riding saddle or pack saddle.

Laydown Blind-hunting-Low profile blind for field shooting that conceals a hunter lying flat on the ground.

Laydown Call-hunting-A mixture of honks and growling noises simulating a contented, feeding flock of geese.

Layout Boat-hunting-A one person boat in which the hunter lies flat in middle of a decoy spread. Usually used in big water with a tending boat nearby.

Lead-hunting-A special type of leash, which may have multiple lengths of cord or leather thongs, used to maintain control of dogs before they are released to hunt, and after the hunt is over.

Leg-Hold Trap-trapping-A style of steel trap that catches animals by gripping them by the leg or foot; also called foot-hold trap.

Length of Pull-firearms/archery- On a firearm, it is the length between the trigger and the butt of the stock. On a bow it is the distance from the resting place of the bow string to full extension.

Lens-shooting optics-As the name implies it is a lens that attaches to target type sights, that adds magnification for increased accuracy. Usually around 2X to 4X for 3D shooting, sometimes more for indoor "spot" shooting.

Leopard cur-dogs-A unique squirrel dog with a spotted or striped coat pattern combining gray, black, yellow, other colors. Can be trained for to hunt wild hogs or cats and working with livestock. Breed standards set by Leopard Cur Breeders Association.

Lick-hunting- A branch above a scrape that is often licked and scent market by a gland in the forehead as a way for deer to communicate during the rut or mating season. Salt bait used to attract deer.

Limb Bolts-archery-Each limb has a limb bolt that is used to adjust the poundage (draw weight) of the bow. The limb bolts should be "bottomed out," then backed off an equal number of turns to desired poundage on some bows, or set by measuring the "tiller" on others. (Follow MFR directions)!

Limb Saver-archery-A newly developed "mushroom" shaped rubber product (developed by Simms Labs Inc.), used in pairs and attached to the limbs of the bow according to instructions (usually a few inches from each end of the limb, where there will be no cable obstruction), helps damped vibration and oscillation in the limbs making the bow "shock" on release much smoother.

Loafing Cover-hunting-Light grass near a feeding field where farmland gamebirds often spend the middle part of the day in fair weather.

Locator Call-hunting-A call mimicking the sound of another animal. Locators are used to make turkeys gobble. Crow calls, owl hooters and coyote howlers are three of the most popular.

Locked Up (cupped)-hunting-When waterfowl cup their wings and begin gliding into a decoy spread.

Lodge-hunting-The dome-shaped houses made by beavers and muskrats.

Logwood-trapping-A type of dye product commonly used to dye steel traps to conceal them from furbearers and potential trap thieves.

Lonesome Hen Call-hunting-A series of four of five quacks; the basic call of a hen mallard. All other calls are variations of this sound except the feed call.

Long Bow-archery-An old-fashioned wooden bow at least 5 feet long.

Magnification-shooting optics- Magnification tells you how much closer a viewed object will appear compared to the naked eye. This can be a fixed number or a variable. Most rifle scopes will feature variable power.

Magnums-hunting-Oversize decoys. Super Magnums are even larger.

Main Beam-hunting-The length of the antler from the base of the skull to the natural tip of the antlers.

Metatarsal Gland-hunting- A small scent gland on a deer that is located on the outside of each hind leg just above the dew claw.

Modular-archery-Something made up of more than one component for adjustability. For example, a lot of cams are modular, allowing variation in draw length, and let-off, by changing the position of one component in relation to the other and reassembling in the new configuration.

Molt-hunting- Losing feathers and regrowing them at different stages in life. The process of shedding the coat. Molting occurs twice a year-once in the spring and once in the fall.

Motion Decoys-hunting-Battery operated decoys move and create ripples in the water.

Mountain Cur-dogs-A popular treeing dog (typically brindle, black or yellow), once known as the Ledbetter Cur. This old breed originated in the mountains of Tennessee. Ears must be short, cur-like. Normally silent on track, barking only when a squirrel is treed. Breed standards set by Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association.

Mountain Feist-dogs-A mountain cur/feist cross. Mountain curs have an excellent "trailing nose"; feists have "a better eye" for seeing squirrels. Mountain feists have an excellent combination of both traits.

Mule Deer-hunting- A brownish-gray deer (Odocoileus hemionus) of western North America, having long mule like ears, large branching antlers in the male, and a black-tipped tail.  Mule deer will often be large in body mass the whitetail deer.

Mulie-hunting-A Western slang term for a mule deer.

Nock-archery-The notch in the end of an arrow that fits onto a bowstring; the act of nocking an arrow.

Nocking Point-archery-Location where arrow sits on the bowstring.

Nocturnal-hunting- Means when an animal feeds or is active only during nighttime hours.

Non-Typical-hunting-A term referring to antlers on at deer that are not symmetrical and have often have points growing off other points on the antlers

Objective Lens Diameter-shooting optics- Also referred to as aperture, objective lens diameter is measured in millimeters. The larger the number, the larger the size of the lens and the greater the amount of light. Most scopes have objective lenses that range from 40mm to 50mm. Magnification and objective lens size are the most prominent features of a shooting optic, and thus are usually included in the product's name.

Odocileus-game animal-The genus of North American deer that includes whitetail, blacktail and mule deer.

Odocoileus Virginianus-game animal-The official scientific name of the whitetail deer.

Off-Set Jaws-trapping-The type of jaws on a leg-hold trap that, when closed, retain a gap of approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch.

Outfitter-hunting-An outdoors professional who contracts with private parties to conduct a hunt or fishing trip and other outdoor excursions.

Outside Spread-hunting-The distance between the two widest points on an animal's antlers.

Overdraw-archery- Refers to an extended rest. The rest comes in further to shorten your arrow length which increases speed and accuracy.

Pack Frame-hunting-A backpack with a stout external frame, most often without the accompanying cloth bags, used for freighting meat and other objects that can't be stuffed inside a backpack.

Pack Saddle-hunting-A rigid frame made of wood or metal that is used to load gear, food, and equipment on a packhorse.

Packer-hunting-1) A rider who is responsible for loading and conducting pack strings in and out of the mountains. A good packer must be an excellent horseman, a quick thinker, a problem solver, and must have a thorough knowledge of knots and loads. 2) A distinctive style of lace-up cowboy boots favored by Western packers.

Packhorse-hunting-A horse used to pack gear, food, and meat.

Palmations-hunting-The knobby growths on the antlers of a caribou, moose, or elk that are usually flat and spread out like the palm of a hand. Palmations are a normal feature on the "brow tines" of caribou and moose, and are an unusual feature on deer and elk antlers.

Pan-black powder-The small indentation under the hammer and frizzen of a flintlock rifle in which fine grains of black powder are placed. This powder catches the spark from the frizzen and conducts a spark into the barrel of the rifle via a small hole.

Park-hunting-An open meadow or glade in mountainous terrain. A "park" can be located on a fairly steep slope. The term is descended from the French-Canadian trappers' word, "parque."

Party-hunting-When a group of hunters collectively pools their available tags and allows one hunter to shoot game for the others. This practice is considered poor ethics and is usually highly illegal.

Patched Ball-black powder-A round lead ball that is seated on a lubricated patch of cloth and then rammed down the barrel of a muzzleloader.

Paunch-game animal-The stomach and intestinal area of an animal. A poor spot to shoot an animal.

Pawling-hunting- The act of a buck as it uses its front hooves to remove dirt and grass to make a scrape  durring the rut.

Pedicals-hunting- Pedicals are the part of the bucks skull where antlers grow from. Buck fawns have pedicals but unless very close to the deer it is hard to distinguish a buck fawn from a doe by the pedicals.

Peep Sight-archery- A sight used on a bow to help align a shot and is similar to the rear sight on a gun.

Pelt-hunting-The coat once it is skinned from the animal and is the reason why animals such as bobcat, wolves, and fox are hunted or trapped. Pelts are used to make clothing, rugs, or decorations.

Plumage-hunting- The collective feathers on birds and sometimes refers to the tail feathers which can be prized by some hunters.

Pintail Whistle-hunting- (also widgeon whistle, drake mallard call) A whistle used to imitate the calls of several species of non-quacking ducks.

Pirogue-hunting-A canoe-like boat developed in Louisiana to hunt for ducks in cypress swamps and coastal marshes.

Pit-hunting-A permanent or temporary hole dug into the ground used to hide in fields. Often holds several hunters.

Plumage-hunting-The collective feathers on birds and sometimes refers to the tail feathers which can be prized by some hunters.

Poacher-hunting- The illegal trapping or killing of an animal that is out of season, below legal size or age, in a prohibited area, more than the legal limit or an endangered species.

Pointing Dogs-hunting-Dogs that freeze to indicate the presence of birds close by. Pointing dogs include English pointers, all setters, Brittanies and all the various continental breeds.

Portable Stand-hunting-A portable stand is a stand that is smaller in size. This is good for a hunter who can easily move or take down the stand within their own discretion. They are popular in states that do not allow permanent stands to hunt on state land.

Pope & Young-hunting-A standardized way of scoring and recording  animals harvested by hunters for comparison purposes.  Pope and Young records bow harvests.

Powder horn-black powder-A horn from a cow that has been hollowed out to hold black powder, used for muzzleloader shooting.

Pre-orbital Glands-game animal- Gland in the forehead of deer used to leave scent on branches and twigs rubbed by the deer.

Pre Rut-hunting- a period prior to the actual mating season or rut when bucks begin to establish territories and dominance in preparation for the rut.

Puddle Ducks (dabbling ducks)-hunting-Ducks that feed in shallow water. Mallards and pintails are the most popular puddle ducks.

Pump Action-firearms- This type of gun fires one shell, then must be "pumped" or manually operated to eject the spent shell and reload another shell to fire. Shells are generally stored inside the gun.

Pushbutton Call/ Push-Pull Call-hunting-A small box call activated by a rod that the hunter pushes or pulls.

Putt-hunting- A high pitched type of call the turkey emits when confronted with danger.

Pyrodex-black powder-A modern substitute for black powder that generates less smoke and corrosion.

Quartering-hunting-When a dog hunts by cutting back and forth in front of the gunners. Also the act of large game presenting a shot slightly less than broadside.

Quiver-archery- Holds arrows while shooting. The most popular for bow hunting is the bow-quiver which holds arrows on the bow, other options are hip quivers and back quivers.

Rabbit Box-hunting-A live-trap for rabbits. Also called rabbit gum.

Rack-hunting-The antlers attached to the skull of a deer or similar animal.

Raghorn-hunting-A young bull elk, typically a 4x4 or small 5x5 in antler size, and usually 2-3 years old.

Ramrod-black powder-A wood, fiberglass, or composite rod used to push a bullet down the bore of a muzzleloading rifle until it is seated.

Ranger-hunting-A government employee responsible for overseeing the health of a forest or range.

Rattling-hunting-The use of two objects, antlers or similar man-made objects, that are hit together to mimic the fighting of two bucks and are used to lure deer into shooting range.

Recurve Bow-archery-A bow designed so that, when strung, the bow curves back against its natural bend, giving it great power when an arrow is released.

Refuge-hunting- A place where animals have plentiful food and supportive environment.

Reticulum-hunting- The second chamber of a deer's stomach that holds partially chewed food.

Rifle Scope-shooting optics-A scope mounted on top of a rifle, acts as a magnifying glass for more accurate long-range shooting. Rifle scopes can also make hunting safer, providing a better view of your target and anything or anyone directly around it.

Roost-hunting-A perch where an animal, especially a bird, rests or sleeps. Wild Turkeys roost high in trees at night to avoid preditors.

Rub-hunting-Where a deer or elk has staked out his territory by scraping away the bark of a small tree, leaving his individual scent behind. Rubs are used by hunters to locate areas where deer are known to exist.

Rumen-game animal-The first chamber of a deer's stomach that "washes" the browse a deer consumes with microorganisms designed to break down food.

Ruminants-game animal-Animals characteristically having a stomach divided into four compartments and chewing a cud consisting of regurgitated, partially digested food.

Rump Patch-hunting-The area on deer around tail, rump and upper legs.

Rut-hunting- Rut is the six month breeding season in which bucks become aggressive with each other to compete for does, they scrape off the velvet and their antlers harden.

Sabot-black powder-A bullet encased in a plastic jacket that falls away when the bullet is fired from a muzzleloader.

Sage Hen-hunting-A term for sage grouse, a member of the grouse family found in sagebrush flats in the Western United States. A mature bird can weight 7-8 pounds.

Satellite Bull-hunting-A younger bull elk who is not the dominant bull in a breeding herd of elk. Satellite bulls may include both raghorns and mature bulls without harems of cows.

Scent Mound-hunting-A small pile of leaves, sticks and wet mud, usually close to the water's edge, made by a beaver to mark its territory and/or communicate with other beavers. After constructing such a mound, the beaver deposits scent from glands on the pile.

Scenting Conditions-hunting-Dogs can scent birds best when there is some moisture present, the weather is fairly cool and a light, steady breeze is blowing. Hot, very cold, dry, and gusty days make scenting birds difficult.

Scope-shooting optics-Short for telescopic sight, a scope is a tube with magnifying optics mounted atop a rifle, shotgun or hand gun for accurate shot placement by means of a set of crosshairs that can be adjusted for windage and elevation.

Score-hunting-A means of judging a trophy by compiling a set of measurements of an animal's antlers, skull, or horns.

Scouting-hunting- Is spending the off season to survey areas of land to track animals and to find locations that may be optimal for the upcoming season. Hunters scout to find new areas to hunt when their old area has not been productive or when they believe bigger animals exist in another area.

Scrape-hunting-Ground that is pawed up by a buck and then urinated in. A scrape is used to communicate with other deer and does let bucks know they are ready to breed by urinating in a scrape.

Scratchings-hunting-Marks left by turkeys' feet as they scratch leaves in search of food.

Scull boat-hunting-A one- or two-person boat propelled by a single sculling oar for sneaking up on rafted ducks.

Semi Automatic-firearms-This type of gun fires one shell, ejects it's casing by the force of the shot, and chambers the next shell. Semi-automatics require a new trigger pull for each shot.

Sentry-hunting-Goose decoy with an upright head, as if watching for danger.

Serving-archery-A thinner more abrasive resistant string material that is "wrapped"(served) around the string bundle to prevent wear and damage to bow strings at critical points. Specifically the string and the cable ends where the strings wrap around the cams, and also the "center" serving where the caliper release, or fingers would wear the string.

Set-trapping-The specific location and design of the placement of a trap or snare to catch an animal. Sets are classified as either water sets or land (dry) sets.

Shaker call-hunting-A hand operated call that, when shaken, makes the feed chuckle.

Shed Antlers-hunting-Antlers that have dropped from the skull of a deer, elk, moose, or caribou in the spring without harm to the animal.

Shells-hunting-Representations of the upper half or three-quarters of a duck or goose. Used in dry field hunting. The rounds used with a Shotgun.

Shock Gobble-hunting-A gobble made by a tom in response to a sudden, loud noise or call.

Shooter-hunting-A person who is eligible and licensed to shoot game; a person skilled in shooting. A game animal worthy of taking; of adequate size, legal status, or trophy status.

Shrink Tube-archery-Shrink tube is primarily used on arrow rest prongs to "silence" the arrow on draw and release. Basically it is a plastic sleeve the forms itself to the shape of the prongs when heated.

Sight Bait-hunting-Any bait, large or small, which is left visible at a trap set as an attractant for furbearers. Sight baits are illegal in most states within a specified distance of traps, because of the danger of catching birds of prey.

Sight Level-archery-A bubble level that is attached to the sight (similar to carpenters or plumbers levels) that let you know if you are holding your bow up straight. Aids in accuracy, and developing a consistent form.

Silhouette-hunting-A two-dimensional decoy.

Single Reed-hunting-A duck call with one vibrating reed.

Sitka Deer-game animal-A subspecies of the blacktail that is found primarily in the Alaskan coastal islands.

Slate Call-hunting-Originally made of slate, these callers can also be made from glass, aluminum, titanium and other materials. Dragging a wooden, graphite, composite or metal striker across the surface produces turkey sounds.

Sling-firearms/archery-A strap attached to a long gun for carrying over the shoulder. It is also a wrist strap that fits loosely around the wrist and attaches to the bow, so that the bow will not be accidentally dropped when jumping forwards with a loose grip, upon release.

Small Game-hunting- Small animals such as squirrel, rabbits, fox, or other similarly sized animals that are frequently hunted.

Snap Shot-hunting-A quick off-hand shot; often required of a small game hunter pursuing animals in the close confines of thickets and other dense cover.

Snare-trapping-A loop made of wire or string and suspended in a runway to catch an animal by the head, neck or body.

Sneakboat -hunting-A small, low-profile boat for one or two hunters.

Snort-hunting- A loud puff of air forced through the nostrils of a deer to sound an alarm to other deer.

Sparring-hunting- Is when two bucks lock antlers and fight for dominance of an area or as a display for breeding females. The winner of the sparring match is generally considered the dominant buck.

Spike-hunting-A yearling bull elk or deer with spike antlers that have no tines.

Split Reed-hunting-A mouth caller with one or more of its reeds cut or notched to give a raspier sound.

Spring-trapping-The part of a leg-hold or body-gripper trap that provides the stored power to make the trap close.

Spur-hunting- A large nail that protrudes through the legs of most male game bird species that is used for fighting and protection.

Squealer Call-hunting-A type of squirrel call that imitates the distress cries of a squirrel that has been caught by a predator; squirrels respond to the call by barking and chattering, thus allowing the hunter to determine their location.

Stabilizer-archery-Reduces torque and shock on a bow after releasing the arrow and helps to hold a bow steady during a shot for better accuracy.

Still--hunting-Moving slowly through cover trying to spot rabbits, squirrels or other small game. The object is to use your eyes more than your feet. You should spend more time standing still than walking.

Strap On Stand-hunting- A portable stand large enough to hold a hunter's weight, strapped to a tree trunk high in the air.

String wax-archery-Originally "bees wax" was used as string wax, but today many modern synthetics are used. Its primary purpose is to increase a string's life, by conditioning the fibers, and also "holds" the individual strands together.

Stringloop-archery-A short loop of string added to the bowstring, and used by release shooters. The arrow in nocked inside of the string loop, and the release clamps onto the loop, causing the pull to be straight back of the arrows center (instead of under), and also helpful in aiding to reduce "torque" induced by twisting of the release.

Strut -hunting-: Part of the courtship behavior between a male and female turkey, where the male turkey will spread its tail feathers in a show of size and dominance hoping to convince the female to mate.

Subdominant Tom-hunting-A male turkey that has lost pecking-order battles with the dominant gobbler.

Tapetum-game aniaml-An area in the pigmented layer of the choroid coat of the eye in whitetail, which has an iridescent or metallic luster and helps to make the eye visible in the dark The tapetum is the part that glows or shines when you shine a bright light on a deer at night.

Target Animal-hunting-The species of furbearer a particular trap is intended to catch.

Tarsal Gland-game animal- A gland located on the inside of the deer's hind leg. This gland consists of a patch of elongated hairs underlain by an area of large sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands secrete a fatty lipid that adheres to the hairs of the tarsal gland. This area gives off a strong, musky odor. This odor is the result of urine being deposited on these glands and mixed with lipids during a behavior known as rub-urination. Deer use this gland to recognize other individuals in the herd and to give information relative to their sex, social status, and reproductive condition.

Tend-hunting- When a buck stays close to a female during mating season waiting for the female to come into estrus so that buck can breed the doe.

Thicket-hunting- Dense area of coverage where whitetails like to hide, sometimes characterized by undergrowth or thorny patches of bushes.

Tiller-archery-The measured distance perpendicular to the bowstring to the point on the limb, where it joins the riser.

Timber Buck-hunting-A very large mule deer buck that is found at higher elevations in mountainous terrain.

Timberline-hunting-The elevation at which trees no longer grow. In Colorado, timberline is usually around 11,500 feet. In latitudes farther north, the timberline descends. In British Columbia, for example, timberline is only about 4,000 feet.

Tollers-hunting-Oversize decoys to attract duck's attention at long range. Many hunters use goose decoys as duck tollers.

Tom-hunting-A male turkey is called a “Tom”

Topographical Maps-hunting-Maps that show elevations and depression of the land. They are useful for locating areas that may harbor deer or may indicate water sources or good cover or locations to hunt.

Trapline-trapping-Route followed by a trapper as he checks his sets.

Tripod Stand-hunting- A small portable stand that folds out to allow the hunter to position themselves level with their prey.

Trophy-hunting- A mature buck with a large set of antlers or a similar large animal of any prey species that exhibits favorable qualities.

Trophy Hunter-hunting-A hunter whose primary concern is to bag a large game animal if he or she decides to shoot a game animal.

Tube Call-hunting-A caller made by stretching a diaphragm halfway over one end of a short tube. Originally made from pill bottles and snuff cans and sometimes known by those names.

Tularemia-hunting-An infectious disease of wild rabbits caused by a bacterium that may be carried by ticks and transmitted to man; also called rabbit fever. Hunters who fail to wear rubber gloves when dressing rabbits sometimes become infected.

Tundra-hunting-The fragile soil found in high-alpine terrain and in far northern latitudes.

Typical Rack-hunting- Deer antlers with points growing only off the front sides of the main beam.

Varmint Rifle-firearms-A sporting rifle with a heavy barrel, designed to hunt small game at long-range, firing high-velocity, flat-trajectory bullets.

Velvet-hunting-Velvet is the protective covering encasing the growing antler that carries blood and nutrients that allow the antlers to grow and become hard.

Venison-hunting- Meat from a deer is called venison.

Vitals-hunting-The region inside the chest cavity of a big game animal where, if a bullet is delivered from a proper big-game rifle or bow, the animal should not survive.

Warbles-hunting-Small, harmless, worm-like parasites (the larvae of the warble fly) often found beneath the skin of rabbits.

Water keels-hunting-Decoys with unweighted keels open at the front and back to allow water to flow through.

Whitetail Deer-game animal-The most common deer in North America and the most common hunted species of deer. What most hunters refer to as deer.

Wild Flush-hunting-When a gamebird flushes far ahead of the dogs and/or the guns at the outside edge of gun range or out of range. Wild flushes often occur on windy days and later in the season when the birds have been hunted heavily.

Wind Drift-hunting-When a bullet is blown off its intended path by wind.

Windage-hunting-The horizontal point of impact of a bullet. When sighting in a rifle, the shooter must adjust the windage of the rifle if its point of impact is to the left or right of center. Its vertical counterpart is called "elevation."

Windsocks-hunting-Rags tied into small windsocks. Usually used for snow geese.

Withers-hunting-The ridge on a horse's back just above its shoulders. A good horse to ride fir the hunt has fairly high withers so that the saddle doesn't slip off to the side.

Woodlot-hunting-A small plot of land on which trees are grown and cut and provides good place to hunt for squirrels.

Yearling-hunting-An animal that is in its second year of life. A spike bull elk, for example, is a yearling that is 1 1/2 years old in the fall of its second year.

Yelp-hunting-The basic call of the wild turkey.