The precise origin of firearms is unknown, although they were certainly in use by the early 14th century and were fairly common in Europe by mid-century. These early guns were little more than large-caliber tubes of wrought iron or cast bronze, closed at one end and loaded by placing GUNPOWDER and projectile in the muzzle, or open end. They were fired by touching a burning wick, or match, to the powder at a "touch-hole" bored in the top of the barrel. To make certain that the powder would ignite, a recess was incised around the hole into which additional powder--the primer--was pouredSmoothbore muskets were notorious for their short range and poor accuracy. Seeking to improve performance, gun makers etched spiral grooves, or rifling, inside the musket barrel. The grooving imparted a spin to the projectile, thus stabilizing its trajectory. Rifles became popular with hunt

Hunters use shotguns when pursuing small game or birds in flight and use rifles for larger quarry. A hunter may either still hunt--sit and wait for game--or stalk the prey--approaching within shooting range undetected. In a drive, beaters alarm concealed animals, which, as they leave their hiding places, pass waiting hunters.

Humans have hunted for food for thousands of years. Hunting exclusively for sport, however, is a comparatively recent development. For both the North American Indian and the early colonists hunting provided a cheap and seemingly limitless food supply. As the eastern coast of the continent was settled, predators were eliminated because they posed a threat to domestic livestock. Forests were cleared for fuel and farming, and many species were depleted or disappeared. Eventually a series of reforms was enacted to save game throughout the United States. The time of year when game could be taken was limited. Licensing was required, with the funds raised from the sale of licenses going to support state game departments. The numbers of animals that one person could take in a season were also restricted. In addition,

Some common words found in the essay are:
American Indian, , Claude Minie, United Critics, Europe America, bow arrow, game laws, game departments,
Approximate Word count = 772
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)