Which of the following best describes the hunting practice of Stalking?

Stalking is a hunting practice characterized by a methodical and stealthy approach to find and get close to game animals. It involves the hunter focusing on fresh signs of animal activity, such as tracks or droppings, or actively observing animals from a distance before carefully moving in closer. This technique emphasizes patience, quietness, and keen observation to avoid startling the game, which allows the hunter to position themselves for a successful shot.

In contrast, other options describe different hunting methods that do not involve the subtle and calculated approach unique to stalking. The use of bait to attract animals is a distinct strategy that relies on luring the game to a specific spot rather than pursuing them stealthily. High-speed pursuits typically pertain to chase-based hunting methods, which are not aligned with the slow and careful approach of stalking. Lastly, the restriction to using a shotgun only is irrelevant to the stalking technique; stalking can be employed with various types of firearms, not limited to one category. Thus, option A accurately defines the essence of stalking within the context of hunting practices.