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Hunting Glossary

HuntingNet.com has comprised a database of many of these phrases and their definitions to help you gain a better understand of hunting terminology.

The hunting world is filled with a variety of different terms and phrases that may mean one thing to a seasoned veteran but make no sense whatsoever to someone who is just starting out.

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Search Results

Dam Search:

The puppy’s mother.

De-bolting Search:

A term identifying the process used to teach the dog it can not "run away" from the stimulation caused by the e collar. Typically, “safe” places are provided for the dog to hide during the exercise, and then the dog is forced out of them, helping him to overcome his fear of pressure.

Deadfall Search:

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

Deciduous trees Search:

Trees which lose their leaves every winter, only to have them grow back in the spring. These trees are found throughout the US, with high concentrations in the forests of the Northeast.

Decimate Search:

To kill off a large part of a population.

Decoying Search:

A plastic or wooden object that looks identical to the game being hunted, used to lure the game into shooting range.

Deer yard Search:

Small areas where large numbers of deer congregate during the winter. These areas are popular either for the shelter or warmth they provide, or for their abundance in food. Deer yards cause tension and aggression among deer due to the crowding and the fights over food.

Defensive line Search:

Musk ox stand shoulder to shoulder to protect themselves and their young from predators.

Deflex Search:

Design where limbs or riser are angled toward the archer. Deflex designs are generally slower but easier to shoot accurately than reflex designs

Delayed Bird Search:

A bird that is shot after one or more birds in a set up have been retrieved by a dog.

Derby Stake Search:

The stake for retrievers over 6-months of age, who have not yet reached their second birthday. Typically they are doubles, long and tight in nature, called “derby doubles.” There are typically two marks in a series, a long memory bird 250 plus yards and a shorter go bird 150 yards cover and terrain are moderate. The top four dogs are awarded points. There is no title given for Derby competition however, the dog can make the ‘Derby List’ if they obtain 10+ derby points.

Dispersal Search:

When fawns leave their mothers to establish their own home range.

Diversion Search:

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. that may throw a dog off his course on a mark or blind. Tests switching, or dropping. Tests a dog’s concentration. Develops trust between the handler and dog in that the dog must trust the handler’s ability to direct him to the proper retrieve.

DNR Search:

Department of Natural Resources.

Doe Search:

A doe is a female deer.

Dominant buck Search:

Dominant bucks compete and fight their way up the ranks of a group of bucks. This social hierarchy is followed by the other deer in the group by being submissive.

Dominant floater Search:

Dominant floaters are older, large bucks that travel through different ranges while still maintaining their ranking. They associate with many groups of deer, but do not form close associations.

Double Search:

Two birds are thrown sequentially in two different locations. The last bird the dog retrieves requires memory on the dog’s part, as it must pick up one item, return to its handler, and then go get the other item and bring it back.

Dowel Search:

An item used to teach the dog the "hold" command during force fetch. Generally wooden and not larger than one-half inch in diameter. The dog should hold the dowel gently but firmly before moving on to the next phase of FF.

Drag Back/Drag Scent Search:

The scent that is left when birds are dragged through the cover by dogs returning to the line or intentionally as a diversion in a test/trial situation.

Draw length Search:

The distance at full draw from the nocking point to the back of the grip. The AMO draw length is the distance from the nocking point to a point 1 3/4 inches past the back of the grip.

Draw weight Search:

The amount of force in pounds required to draw the bow.

Drill Search:

A training exercise that contains repetition of a focused theme of training.

Drop at comb / Drop at heel Search:

This is the length from the plane of a barrel to the top of the comb on a firearm.

Drop tine Search:

An antler point that drops straight down off the main beam of the antlers of whitetail males.

Dry Pop Search:

Shot that is fired from a gun station, but no bird is thrown. The dry pop will provide a diversion when used with other retrieves.

Dual Champion Search:

A retriever who has won a Bench Championship and a Field Championship title (not amateur). This title is used as a prefix to the dog’s registered name.

Ducks Unlimtied Search:

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North Americas waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

Dummy Search:

A bumper

Dummy Collar Search:

A collar that is the exact duplicate of an e-collar in size, shape, and weight but cannot produce electrical stimulation.