Glossary of Terms

One of the most common shotgun gauges, versatile for waterfowl, upland birds, and deer (with slug...

A lighter-recoil shotgun gauge often chosen for upland bird hunting or by smaller-statured hunter...

A popular rimfire cartridge with low recoil, commonly used for small game and target shooting; va...

A smaller shotgun gauge known for low recoil and lighter firearm weight, popular among experience...

Life-size foam animal replicas used for realistic practice in shot placement and yardage estimation.

A timed shooting sport where participants use a rifle, shotgun, and pistol in various stages, hon...

The smallest common shotgun bore, suitable for small game or beginner shooters; limited shot volu...

A youth program teaching firearm and archery basics, emphasizing safety and responsible marksmans...

The foundational guidelines: (1) Treat all guns as loaded, (2) Control the muzzle, (3) Finger off...

A hunting blind measuring four feet by four feet, either elevated or ground-based, providing conc...

A document granting legal entry to restricted or controlled lands for hunting, often required on ...

The mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges (e.g., bolt, pump, lever).

A known tree or area where turkeys regularly sleep; scouting such locations is vital for a succes...

Extra endorsements or endorsements added to a base hunting license (e.g., archery stamp, muzzlelo...

Fine adjustments to bow setup—arrow rest, nock point, cam synchronization—to maximize arrow fligh...

Additional training beyond basic hunter safety, covering advanced topics like wildlife management...

Using aircraft (helicopter or fixed-wing) to control certain species like feral hogs or coyotes; ...

Hunting large African species (e.g., Cape buffalo, kudu) requiring special documentation and impo...

Pursuing small game or certain species with high-powered pneumatic rifles; legality and permitted...

A gun powered by compressed air or CO₂, often used for small game or target practice.

A motorized off-road vehicle with four or more wheels, useful for transporting gear and navigatin...

Also called wapiti, a large North American cervid common in western states; hunts often require l...

Cartridges or shells containing primer, powder, projectile, and casing.

The length of time ammunition remains reliable if stored properly (cool, dry conditions); extreme...

Firing at an upward or downward angle, requiring compensation for gravity and trajectory differen...

In North America, refers primarily to pronghorn; found in open plains, requiring careful range es...

Regulations requiring a minimum antler spread or point count to protect younger bucks and promote...

Bullets with hardened cores to penetrate armor or bulletproof materials; restricted or illegal fo...

A dedicated facility or area with targets at varied distances, designed for safe bow practice and...

A designated period when only bows or crossbows are allowed for hunting certain game, often befor...

A component on a bow that supports the arrow until release; correct alignment is key for consiste...

Measurement of an arrow’s stiffness, crucial for consistent flight and accuracy.

A primitive tool for throwing spears or darts with enhanced speed and distance; legal for certain...

A revolver feature where cocking the hammer or pulling the trigger automatically rotates the cyli...

A berm or structure behind targets designed to stop or catch bullets or arrows, ensuring a safe s...

The maximum number of a species you can legally harvest in a day or season, helping regulate wild...

The metal tube through which a projectile travels when a firearm is fired; length and rifling aff...

The process of assembling ammunition from individual components (cases, primers, powder, bullets)...

A storage method of hanging food and scented items high off the ground in bear country to reduce ...

A high-strength pepper spray specifically formulated to deter bear attacks; effective at close ra...

Successful hatching of bird eggs in the wild, naturally bolstering populations of upland birds or...

Guidelines for installing and maintaining deer feeders safely and ethically to prevent overconcen...

Larger species such as deer, elk, or bear, usually requiring specific tags and more restrictive r...

Harvesting wild or ranch bison under special permits; notable for historical and conservation imp...

A widely distributed North American bear species requiring specialized tactics (spot-and-stalk, b...

A bright orange color worn to increase hunter visibility and reduce accidental shootings, require...

Using trained dogs (often bloodhounds) to track the scent trail of a wounded animal, facilitating...

Following blood signs to locate a wounded animal and ensure ethical recovery.

A viral illness transmitted by midges, affecting deer and other ruminants; can resemble EHD with ...

Using specialized archery equipment (reel-attached bows) to hunt fish in shallow water.

A specialized hunter safety course focused on archery gear, shot placement, and ethical recovery.

A mechanical device that helps draw and release the bowstring consistently for improved accuracy.

A tool that aids in safely stringing or unstringing a recurve or longbow without twisting the limbs.

The sharpened tip of a hunting arrow, available in fixed or mechanical blade designs for quick, h...

A short, large-caliber rifle designed for quick handling and performance in thick cover.

The downward arc of a projectile due to gravity over distance; important for long-range shooting.

The internal diameter of a firearm’s barrel or the bullet’s diameter (e.g., .223, .308).

Clothing or patterns that help blend hunters into their surroundings to reduce detection by game.

A slight tilt of the bow to one side, which can affect arrow flight if not done consistently.

A self-contained unit of ammunition with primer, propellant, bullet/shot, and casing.

The parts of a cartridge: primer, propellant (powder), projectile (bullet), and casing.

Ammo with a primer located in the center of the cartridge base, used in most rifles and handguns.

Any member of the deer family (e.g., whitetail, mule deer, elk, moose), often subject to regulati...

A fatal neurological disease in deer and elk; special rules in CWD zones often require testing an...

Areas with documented CWD cases where special carcass testing, transport rules, or feeding restri...

The area around a hunter where others should not stand when a firearm is loaded, preventing muzzl...

Ensuring the barrel or bore of a firearm is free of obstructions before firing to prevent acciden...

A portable tree stand that grips the trunk and can be moved up or down by the hunter for an eleva...

The period when it’s illegal to hunt a particular species, often to protect breeding populations.

Engaging targets at a short distance—often under 50 yards—common in archery or dense woodland hun...

A limited-entry hunt requiring a draw or lottery, used to regulate harvest pressure or manage spe...

Pellets coated with copper to reduce deformation and improve pattern consistency, often used in u...

A device with limbs mounted horizontally on a stock, shooting bolts; allowed in some archery seas...

The reticle lines inside a scope used for aiming, available in various patterns (duplex, mil-dot,...

The rotating part of a revolver holding multiple chambers of ammunition, advancing with each hamm...

A replica of an animal (duck, deer, turkey, etc.) used to draw game in for closer shots.

An enclosure or camouflaged structure for hunting deer, concealing motion and scent; can be groun...

A special permit allowing harvest beyond standard tags (e.g., culling does) for population contro...

A last-resort shot taken when an animal (e.g., bear) charges or poses imminent danger, emphasizin...

Safety equipment for tree stand hunters allowing a controlled descent if they fall or need to exi...

A mouth call with a latex reed placed against the roof of the mouth to mimic turkey or elk sounds...

A state agency managing wildlife, issuing hunting licenses, and enforcing conservation laws.

A firearm mechanism where pulling the trigger cocks and then releases the hammer (common in some ...

A shot passing through both lungs of a big game animal, causing rapid incapacitation and minimal ...

The area in front of the shooter where bullets or arrows travel; must remain clear for safety.

The force (in pounds) needed to pull a bowstring to full draw; affects arrow speed and penetration.

Sideways movement of a projectile due to wind or other factors; shooters often compensate by adju...

Firing a bow or firearm without ammunition; can damage archery gear and must be done with caution...

A device mimicking duck sounds, used to attract waterfowl into shooting range.

Officially the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, required for waterfowl hunt...

Gear like earplugs or earmuffs that safeguard hearing from gunshot noise.

An informal term describing the area beyond a target where sound (and bullets) may travel, highli...

Principles of fair chase, sportsmanship, and respect for wildlife and habitats; fosters a positiv...

The idea of pursuing game in a manner not giving hunters an improper advantage; includes abiding ...

Removing internal organs from a harvested animal to cool the meat and prevent spoilage; done imme...

The defined sector where a hunter can shoot safely without risking others; crucial in group hunts.

The core guidelines: treat every gun as loaded, muzzle in safe direction, finger off trigger unti...

A broadhead with non-moving blades, known for reliability and deeper penetration.

The feathers or vanes on an arrow that stabilize flight; proper alignment is vital for accuracy.

When a game bird (like quail or pheasant) bursts into flight as a hunter or dog approaches; deman...

Maintaining proper stance and alignment after releasing an arrow or pulling a trigger, ensuring c...

A measurement of a bullet’s kinetic energy at impact, indicating stopping power for hunting.

The forward part of a firearm’s stock under the barrel, gripped by the non-trigger hand for suppo...

Any wildlife species legally hunted for food or sport, such as deer, elk, waterfowl, or turkeys.

A physical or electronic permit attached to harvested animals, proving a legal take and preventin...

The measure of a shotgun’s bore diameter (e.g., 12-gauge, 20-gauge); lower numbers signify larger...

A short-barreled firearm (pistol or revolver) designed for one-handed operation; often requires s...

Documentation of animals taken, used by wildlife agencies for data on population management and e...

The gap between the cartridge base and the firearm’s breech face; improper headspace can cause ma...

An ideal shot placement hitting both the heart and lungs for a quick, humane harvest of big game ...

Optical distortion caused by rising heat waves, making distant targets appear to shimmer or blur;...

Hunting within large properties enclosed by tall fences to closely manage or control game populat...

A feature on some bolt-action rifles where the magazine floorplate swings open for quick unloadin...

A bullet design featuring a cavity in the tip for controlled expansion, increasing its effectiven...

Proof of completing a state-approved hunter safety course; commonly required for purchasing hunti...

A temporary waiver allowing someone to hunt under direct supervision before finishing the officia...

Moral guidelines like respecting bag limits, ensuring quick kills, and following fair chase princ...

Another name for blaze orange, the highly visible color mandated in many states for hunter safety.

A harness or belt worn when in tree stands to prevent falls and serious injury.

A paid agreement granting permission to hunt on private property under specific conditions.

A license required by Texas landowners who lease their property for hunting; provides legal and l...

Official authorization from a state wildlife agency to hunt certain species; often requires hunte...

A shared itinerary detailing hunting location, timeframe, and emergency contacts for safety and a...

The intensity of hunting activity in an area; heavy pressure can make game more alert and elusive.

Scheduled periods when hunting specific species is permitted, designed to manage populations and ...

A defined geographic area (game management unit) with specific regulations, bag limits, and hunti...

A scope reticle that lights up for improved visibility in low light; can be battery-powered or fi...

The actual spot where a bullet or arrow strikes the target; differs from point of aim if the sigh...

Specialized bullets containing compounds that ignite upon impact; heavily restricted and generall...

A modern muzzleloading firearm design placing the ignition source (primer) directly behind the po...

An archery technique relying on muscle memory and hand-eye coordination rather than formal aiming...

Required approval from a private property owner to hunt on their land; often in writing for legal...

Bullets or shot made from alternative metals like copper or steel, reducing lead contamination in...

The specific times of day (e.g., half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset) during which...

A retailer or authorized entity (e.g., sporting goods store) where hunters can purchase licenses,...

A tall, traditional bow with limbs that form a classic “D” shape when strung; generally lacks mod...

Methods aiming to minimize disturbance to wildlife and habitat, such as walking quietly, limiting...

A more powerful ammunition load with extra powder, yielding higher velocities and energy for larg...

The skill of accurate shooting, encompassing proper stance, breathing, trigger control, and follo...

A broadhead whose blades are folded or retracted in flight and expand upon impact to create a lar...

A federal law protecting migratory bird species; hunters must have appropriate stamps or permits ...

Bird species that migrate across states or countries, such as ducks, geese, and doves; regulated ...

An angular unit of measurement (1 MOA ≈ 1 inch at 100 yards) used in optics to describe accuracy ...

A key safety practice of always keeping a firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction to prevent...

The kinetic energy of a projectile at the instant it leaves the barrel; higher muzzle energy ofte...

A special period allowing only muzzle-loading firearms, often extending hunting opportunities for...

The speed of a projectile as it exits the barrel, measured in feet per second (fps); higher veloc...

Shot made from materials like steel, tungsten, or bismuth instead of lead, commonly required for ...

Firing a rifle or shotgun without external support (standing or kneeling); emphasizes stance and ...

The legal timeframe when a particular game species can be hunted, established to manage wildlife ...

Iron sights without an aperture, often featuring a front post and rear notch; commonly seen on ba...

A double-barreled shotgun with barrels stacked vertically; popular for upland birds and clay shoo...

Testing how a shotgun’s pellets spread at various distances to find the optimal choke and load co...

A small aperture in the rear sight of a bow or rifle that provides a precise aiming point.

An official document granting specific hunting privileges, such as antlerless harvest or special ...

A life jacket or vest required on many waterways to ensure hunter safety when waterfowl hunting o...

The handle on a rifle or shotgun where the trigger hand wraps around; enhances control and comfort.

The precise spot on a target where a shooter aligns sights or a scope reticle before firing.

The actual location where the bullet or arrow strikes the target or animal.

The total number of game animals a person can have in their possession at any given time, often s...

The distance the crossbow string travels from rest to cocked position; influences bolt speed and ...

A form of varmint or pest control used for marksmanship practice; subject to varying regulations.

Any area where unintended contact (e.g., a sling swivel, hand placement) can alter a firearm’s or...

A shooting stance where the hunter lies flat on the stomach for maximum stability, often used in ...

The breeding and raising of game animals or fish (either in the wild or hatcheries) to sustain or...

Pursuing game on federal, state, or local lands open to the public (e.g., national forests, WMAs)...

A firearm action (commonly in shotguns) where the forend is manually cycled to eject a spent shel...

A small upland game bird found in brushy or grassy habitats; known for covey flushes requiring qu...

The animal or bird being hunted or pursued in the field.

The method of determining distance to a target, vital for proper shot placement in archery and fi...

A device (often laser-based) calculating exact distance to a target, improving accuracy for rifle...

The backward force experienced when a firearm is discharged (“kick”), affected by factors like ca...

A traditional bow design with limbs curving away from the archer at the tips, increasing power co...

Rules that differ from one area or management unit to another, dictating season lengths, bag limi...

A hunting license for those who meet a state’s residency requirements, typically less expensive t...

The aiming pattern (e.g., crosshairs, mil-dot) visible in a scope or optic to help shooters align...

An optic with magnification mounted on a rifle, offering a clearer view of distant targets for ac...

A portion of the hunting season designated for rifles only, typically separate from archery or mu...

Ammo where the primer is inside the rim of the cartridge (e.g., .22 LR); commonly used for small ...

Hunting while traveling on or near public roads, often illegal or heavily restricted due to safet...

A small to medium-sized European deer sometimes found on exotic game ranches in the U.S.; hunting...

A device on a firearm (e.g., lever, button) that blocks the firing pin or trigger to prevent acci...

The position of the firearm’s safety device; “On” means the safety is engaged (cannot fire), “Off...

A separate or additional license often required for hunting enthusiasts who also fish in coastal ...

An optical effect in riflescopes where the reticle appears to move if the shooter’s eye shifts of...

A lightweight rifle typically with a forward-mounted scope, designed for versatility in varied hu...

The component in a firearm’s trigger group that holds the hammer or striker back until the trigge...

The ratio of a bullet’s weight to its cross-sectional area; higher sectional density often transl...

A firearm action where each trigger pull fires a single shot and automatically chambers the next ...

A constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel controlling pellet spread (e.g., cylinder, m...

The spread of pellets as they exit a shotgun barrel; tested on paper at known distances to find a...

Where the projectile impacts an animal’s vital zone, key to ethical, quick kills and minimal woun...

Adjusting firearm sights or a scope so that the bullet hits the intended point of aim at a chosen...

The outline of a target or animal against the sky or background, aiding identification or shot pl...

A firearm mechanism in which the hammer must be manually cocked before the trigger can release it...

A single solid projectile used in a shotgun, commonly for deer or larger game within shorter ranges.

Generally refers to smaller species like squirrels, rabbits, or upland birds; often requires fewe...

A slang term for a muzzleloader, referencing the large cloud of smoke produced by black powder up...

A hunting technique where you locate game at a distance (spot) and then move quietly to get withi...

A high-powered, compact telescope used to observe distant animals or targets for range estimation...

The hunting period in spring for male (tom) turkeys, often during their breeding cycle; calling t...

Moving quietly on foot to approach game without alerting it; requires wind awareness, camouflage,...

Hunting from a stationary point (e.g., a tree stand or ground blind), waiting for game to come in...

Non-lead pellets required for waterfowl hunting in many jurisdictions; it patterns differently th...

An approach where the hunter moves very slowly, stopping often to watch for game; differs from st...

The part of a firearm that rests against the shooter’s shoulder, consisting of the buttstock and ...

A device that lowers the noise and muzzle flash of a firearm; legality varies by jurisdiction and...

A permit (physical or electronic) attached to a harvested game animal, confirming legality and pr...

The state agency overseeing hunting, fishing, and conservation in Texas, responsible for licenses...

The slight movement or slack in a trigger before it releases, potentially affecting accuracy and ...

Keeping one’s finger off the trigger until the moment of firing; a cornerstone of firearms safety...

The amount of force needed to fire a shot; heavier or inconsistent triggers can reduce accuracy.

A device (box, slate, diaphragm) used to mimic turkey vocalizations, essential for luring toms du...

Licenses or tags left over after the initial lottery or sale, often made available on a first-com...

A firearm with no ammunition in the chamber or magazine; many states require firearms to be unloa...

Dirt or gravel road typically found in rural hunting areas; may have specific restrictions regard...

Game birds like pheasants, quail, or grouse inhabiting drier, upland habitats rather than wetlands.

Managed hunts within city limits to control deer populations and reduce incidents like vehicle co...

A federal agency managing national wildlife refuges, migratory bird regulations, and endangered s...

The heart-lung region of an animal where a shot ensures a swift, humane kill.

Pursuing game in hot conditions, requiring quick field dressing, proper meat cooling, and extra h...

Recognizing waterfowl species by features like plumage, vocalizations, or flight patterns; essent...

The regulated period for hunting ducks, geese, and other migratory waterfowl; often requires addi...

A conservation officer focused on enforcing waterfowl regulations (e.g., checking licenses, bag l...

One of the most common North American deer species, easily identified by the white underside of i...

The breeding season for whitetail deer, characterized by increased buck activity and aggression.

Natural areas minimally affected by human activity, often requiring special permits and backcount...

A professional who studies wildlife populations and habitats, advising on hunting seasons, bag li...

The natural environment supporting a particular species; habitat conservation is vital for sustai...

Horizontal scope or sight adjustments made to compensate for wind drift or slight misalignment in...

The art of shooting birds in flight, requiring quick reflexes and proper lead estimation.

When an animal is shot but not recovered; hunter education stresses shot placement, tracking, and...

A special season or event allowing young hunters priority or exclusive hunting opportunities, typ...

Aligning a rifle’s sights or scope so bullets land at the point of aim at a specific distance, cr...

A clearly defined area in which each hunter can shoot without risking others; critical for group ...