Thomas H: There are kilt history experts on this site, and hopefully one or more of them will weigh in and clarify, but ...
{Clan} Hunting is just another tartan associated with the given clan. They can certainly be used while hunting, but I suspect there are other garments far more suitable for walking/stumbling around in the woods and bog, and thus are not used very often.
Anyone can wear any "Hunting" kilt unless the tartan is restricted, which isn't very likely. If you have any doubt about a particular tartan, just check the Scottish Register of Tartans for possible restrictions. I plan to buy a Stewart Hunting kilt and I have no connection to the Stewart family, as far as I know. And, I will likely never hunt in it.
As for the origin of the word "Hunting" in connection with clan kilts, I do not know, but I suspect it was invented during the Victorian excitement about kilts, while weavers were looking for new names for kilts woven in their cloth.
I hope this helps and doesn't mislead. 
Last edited by mookien; 16th August 11 at 02:34 PM.
Reason: shpelling
I changed my signature. The old one was too ridiculous.
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