small game

American  

noun

1. wild animals and birds hunted for sport, as rabbits or doves, that are smaller than animals, as deer and bears, classified as big game.

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small game British  

noun

1. small animals that are hunted for sport

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Etymology

Origin of small game

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

They were caught using cage-type traps baited with venison and quail, a small game bird.

From BBC

"Just a small game for us next on Wednesday!"

From Barron's

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland used cage-type traps baited with venison and quail - a small game bird - to capture the cats.

From BBC

RZSS, which runs a wildlife park nearby, used cage-type traps baited with venison and quail, a small game bird, to capture the cats.

From BBC

Twenty were related to hunting, including more spears but also finely balanced throwing sticks for downing small game or birds.

From Science Magazine