buck fever

noun

1. nervous excitement of an inexperienced hunter upon the approach of game.
2. any nervous excitement preceding a new experience.

buck fever

noun

1. nervous excitement felt by inexperienced hunters at the approach of game

Word History and Origins

Origin of buck fever¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

This was the worst case of buck fever that I have ever had and I do not care to ever experience a case of that kind again.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, I will tell you of another case of buck fever from a cause entirely different from that just related.

From Project Gutenberg

I am not subject to buck fever, and was disgusted to find myself so badly "rattled" that I could scarcely handle the rifle.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'll bet you'll get buck fever the first time you come across it," chuckled the Head Chief.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no buck fever about him now, and, when his rifle cracked, the deer bounded into the air and dropped down dead.

From Project Gutenberg