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Defined narrowly, agame stalker is asport hunter who approaches close to a timidquarry before making a kill. The practice is commonly associated[by whom?] with themoors ofScotland where the principal quarry isred deer. However, the skill is found worldwide and is of extremely long-standing. Many otherpredator animals such ascats andhyenas also stalk their prey.
Amonghunter-gatherers, where their prey is typically timid, stalking is a way of livelihood in order that they may catch what they hunt. Nowadays, stalking is frequently done for purposes ofphotography or observation of animal behavior rather than for killing.
Whatever the means of killing, the hunter is required to get near the quarry in order to achieve it. Most animals are very sensitive to the presence ofpredators and will escape when perceiving threats within theflight zone. In many cases, the animal's sense of smell is highly developed and can detect anything with an unusual scent, therefore the stalker therefore needs to approach fromdownwind. Similarly,cryptic care needs to be taken to avoid being seen and heard.
Thedeerstalker is a type ofhat associated withSherlock Holmes andElmer Fudd. Notable for its slight rain-brim to the front and back, with acamouflage checkedtwill pattern and fold-down earpieces for selective warmth or to raise when listening fordeer.