[legal term] Owling was a common term for the smuggling of sheep or wool from England to another country, particularly France. The practice was illegal in England from 1367 until 1824. Participants were called `owlers`; their ships `owling boats`. The origins of the term are obscure, and it appears to have developed toward the end of the 17...
smuggling wool or sheep
• (v. i.) The offense of transporting wool or sheep out of England contrary to the statute formerly existing. • (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Owl
Owl'ing noun [ From Owl , intransitive verb ] (O. Eng. Law) The offense of transporting wool or sheep out of England contrary to the statute formerly existing. Blackstone. 
Word given to the practice of searching for owls at night by birders.