What distinguishes stocking from still hunting?

Stocking is characterized by the practice of actively following signs left by the animal, such as tracks, scat, or feeding areas. This approach requires a hunter to be more mobile, constantly moving and adjusting their position based on evidence of animal activity. The goal is to locate and get within range of the animal by interpreting these signs.

In contrast, still hunting involves staying in a specific location or moving very slowly and quietly, often pausing to scan the surroundings in hopes of spotting game. This strategy relies on stealth and patience rather than tracking. The distinction lies in the level of activity and the method of engagement with the environment; stocking is more about tracking and following animals, while still hunting emphasizes remaining still and observing.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what sets stocking apart from still hunting. For instance, needing a license applies to various hunting methods and does not define stocking specifically. Similarly, stocking is not necessarily quieter than still hunting, as the latter emphasizes silence and stillness, and the mention of multiple hunters is irrelevant to the fundamental differences between the two hunting methods.