What are words for an animal being hunted? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The language surrounding hunting and its quarry is rich and varied, reflecting the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. When considering what words describe an animal being hunted, the most accurate and commonly used terms are prey and quarry. However, the nuances of these words, alongside other related vocabulary, provide a deeper understanding of the hunt itself.

Prey is perhaps the most familiar term. It refers specifically to an animal that is hunted by another animal for food. This definition highlights the ecological role of the animal being hunted, emphasizing its position in the food chain. Quarry, on the other hand, while often used interchangeably with prey, generally implies that the animal is being hunted by a human. It’s a term more frequently associated with sport or recreational hunting, often encompassing the pursuit of an animal not solely for sustenance. These terms are key to understanding different aspects of the hunting dynamic.

Nuances and Synonyms: Diving Deeper

Terms Related to the Act of Being Hunted

Beyond the core terms of prey and quarry, there are other words that capture the essence of an animal being hunted. These terms often evoke the sense of pursuit and vulnerability. Synonyms for being hunted include chased, dogged, followed, hounded, stalked, tailed, tracked, and trailed. Each word paints a vivid picture of the hunt from the animal’s perspective: the relentless pressure, the constant awareness of danger, and the ever-present possibility of capture. Words like hounded and dogged suggest a persistent and often exhausting pursuit, while stalked conveys a more stealthy and strategic hunt.

Context-Specific Terms

In more specific hunting contexts, other words come into play. For instance, if the animal is a game animal, this indicates that it is legally allowed to be hunted and often implies a certain level of management and conservation. The term target can also be used, particularly in discussions about the aim of hunting, though it’s less focused on the animal itself and more on the hunting act.

Understanding the Hunter’s Perspective

It’s also valuable to consider what hunters call the animals they are pursuing. Often, hunters use specific terms related to the animals’ sex, age, and size, like “buck” for a male deer, and “doe” for a female deer, or “hawg” to describe a particularly large buck. They might also refer to animals on their “hit-list”, highlighting the selective and targeted aspect of modern hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between ‘prey’ and ‘quarry’?

While often used synonymously, prey typically describes an animal hunted for food by another animal, highlighting its role in the food chain. Quarry generally refers to an animal hunted by humans, often for sport or specific purposes.

2. What is a “game” animal?

A game animal is a wild animal that is legally allowed to be hunted for sport or food, often with specific regulations and seasons.

3. What does it mean when an animal is “stalked”?

To stalk an animal means to approach it stealthily and quietly, often with the intent to hunt it.

4. What are some negative terms for hunting an animal?

Negative terms for hunting an animal might include slaughter, butcher, or massacre, all implying violent and often inhumane methods. The word poaching specifically refers to the illegal hunting of animals.

5. What is another word for killing animals used by hunters?

Hunters may use the term “harvest” as a euphemism for killing an animal, particularly when referring to deer or other game animals.

6. What does “taking” mean in hunting?

In a hunting context, “taking” can refer to a variety of actions, including killing, capturing, harassing, or pursuing an animal.

7. Why are hunted animals called “game”?

The term “game” refers to wild animals hunted for food or sport, often species that are not typically domesticated.

8. What is the most trafficked mammal in the world?

Pangolins are believed to be the most trafficked mammal in the world, facing extreme pressure from poaching.

9. What is “fox chasing” and how does it differ from fox hunting?

In some areas, fox chasing refers to the practice of pursuing foxes without the intention to kill them, often for sport.

10. What are some common hunting phrases?

Some common hunting phrases include: “That buck is a shooter for sure”, “We need to take that old, barren doe out of the herd,” and “That’d make a great bow buck”.

11. What do fox hunters shout?

Fox hunters often shout “Holla” to signal the direction of the fox, and “Whoo-whoop” after a fox has been killed.

12. What are some reasons why animals are killed?

Animals are killed for various reasons, including food acquisition, human safety, agriculture, control of nuisance wildlife, and habitat management.

13. What is animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty refers to the infliction of suffering or harm on animals through neglect or violence.

14. What is a female hunter called?

A female hunter is called a huntress.

15. What is a synonym for prey?

A synonym for prey is quarry.

The Importance of Language in Understanding Hunting

The vocabulary used to describe an animal being hunted is far more than a simple list of synonyms; it provides insights into the cultural, ecological, and ethical dimensions of hunting. Words like prey, quarry, chased, stalked, and game all contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between predator and prey. By recognizing the precise meanings of these terms, we gain a clearer picture of hunting practices, the role of animals in the ecosystem, and the various perspectives involved. Understanding these words is crucial for anyone wishing to engage in informed discussions about wildlife conservation, ethics, and the dynamics of our natural world.