fowling

This term is specialized and carries a rustic or traditional connotation, typically associated with rural sporting life or historical subsistence hunting. It is far less common in modern conversation than the general term "hunting," which is used for a broader range of game. When used to describe the activity, it functions as a gerund, focusing on the process of pursuing waterfowl.

When referring to the gear, the word acts as a collective noun for a specific kit. Because it describes a specialized set of equipment (such as nets, decoys, and guns), it is treated as an uncountable mass noun in this context, similar to how "luggage" or "equipment" is used.