Sniper, Origin of Snipers

The snipe was a bird prized for its delicacy in medieval England. However, hunters had a tough time catching the bird because of its alertness and speed. As firearms improved, hunters found it easier to shoot the birds, but only by hiding and waiting for the snipe to come within range. Soon, hunters who were particularly adept at catching the bird became known as snipers.

(yet another one from MindlessCrap.com.. )

I have found this one several places, so I think it's true.

I've heard that also, and it does seem to make good sense.

Yea, there was a big History Channel Documentary on Snipers a year back, they talked about this.

I think I heard this one about Snipers on History Channel too.

So, I guess at one point snipe hunts just weren't for the amusement of the people who sent initiates out on them.