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Hunter 1-99 OSRS Fastest Methods and Tips

Hunter in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) is one of those skills that feels like a grind at first but becomes super rewarding once you get the hang of it. I’ve spent countless hours chasing critters across Gielinor, from butterflies to chinchompas, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. Whether you’re aiming for that 99 Hunter cape or just want to make some quick GP, this guide will walk you through the fastest methods, personal tips, and everything you need to hit level 99. Ready to become a master hunter? Let’s dive in!
Hunter isn’t just about catching animals; it’s a skill that mixes exploration, strategy, and some serious money-making potential. When I first started, I thought it was just about setting traps and waiting, but there’s so much more to it. You can earn millions by catching chinchompas or even snag rare pets like the herbi or baby chin. Plus, it’s one of the more chill skills to train while you’re watching a show or chatting with friends.
But why should you care about Hunter? Well, it’s profitable, it unlocks cool content like the Hunter Guild, and it’s honestly just fun once you master the mechanics. Curious about the best spots or methods? Let’s break it down level by level.
Getting Started with Hunter (Levels 1-9)
Starting out in Hunter can feel slow, but don’t worry, it picks up fast. At level 1, you’re limited to basic tracking and bird snares, but you can still make progress. My first Hunter experience was chasing crimson swifts in Feldip Hills, and I’ll never forget how satisfying it was to catch my first bird.
Best Method: Crimson Swifts (Levels 1-9)
Head to Feldip Hills (south of Yanille) and grab a bird snare from the Grand Exchange or a Hunter shop. You’ll be catching crimson swifts, which give 34 XP per catch. It’s simple: place the snare, wait for a bird to land, and check it when it’s caught. Pro tip: bring a few snares to set multiple traps at once as your level increases.
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What you need: Bird snare, teleport to Yanille (house tabs work great).
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XP per hour: Around 3,000-4,000 XP.
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Why I love it: It’s low-effort, and you can chill while waiting for birds.
Quick Tip: If you’re struggling to find the spot, use the fairy ring code AKS to get to Feldip Hills fast. Ever tried this method? It’s a great way to ease into Hunter!
Early Game Hunter (Levels 9-29)
Once you hit level 9, things get a bit more exciting. You unlock copper longtails and tropical wagtails, but the real star here is tracking kebbits. I remember my early days running around the Piscatoris Hunter area, feeling like a true wilderness explorer. It’s a bit more active than bird snares, which kept me hooked.
Tracking Polar Kebbits (Levels 9-15)
Head to the Piscatoris Hunter area (fairy ring AKQ) and track polar kebbits. You’ll need a noose wand, which you can buy from the GE. Follow the kebbit tracks, inspect burrows, and catch them for 30 XP each. It’s a bit click-intensive, but it’s faster than birds.
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XP per hour: ~5,000-6,000 XP.
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Personal tip: Wear lightweight gear like graceful to move faster. I learned this the hard way after dragging heavy armor around!
Copper Longtails and Tropical Wagtails (Levels 15-29)
At level 15, you can catch copper longtails in Piscatoris, and at 19, tropical wagtails become available. Stick with bird snares here, but set multiple traps (up to 2 at level 20). These spots are less crowded, and the XP starts to stack up.
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XP per hour: ~7,000-9,000 XP.
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Why it’s great: You can AFK a bit while traps do the work.
Question: Have you ever gotten distracted while waiting for traps? I sure have, but that’s part of the charm!
Mid-Game Hunter (Levels 29-53)
This is where Hunter starts to shine. You unlock box trapping and some juicy money-makers like chinchompas. My first time catching chins was a game-changer; I was amazed at how much GP I could make while skilling.
Ferrets in Piscatoris (Levels 29-43)
At level 29, you can box trap ferrets in the Piscatoris Hunter area. You’ll need box traps and some smoked rabbit to lure them. Place your traps near the ferret spawn points and keep an eye on them. The XP here is solid, and it’s a nice change from tracking.
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XP per hour: ~15,000 XP.
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Tip: Use the Hunter potion (requires 53 Herblore or buy from GE) to boost your level for faster catches.
Red Chinchompas (Levels 43-53)
At level 43, you can start catching red chinchompas in the Feldip Hills chinchompa hunting ground. These are not only great XP but also a fantastic money-maker. I used to sell my chins on the GE and fund my entire combat setup with the profits. You’ll need multiple box traps (up to 4 at level 40) and some patience.
Level |
Traps Allowed |
XP per Catch |
GP per Catch |
---|---|---|---|
43 |
4 |
198 |
~800-1,000 |
60 |
5 |
198 |
~800-1,000 |
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XP per hour: ~30,000-40,000 XP.
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Why it’s awesome: You’re making bank while training. Win-win!
Fun Fact: I once misclicked and released a whole inventory of chins. Have you ever made a silly mistake like that?
High-Level Hunter (Levels 53-80)
Now we’re getting to the good stuff. At this point, you’re unlocking some of the fastest methods and best money-makers in the game. I spent a lot of time in the Hunter Guild (unlocked at 46, but better at higher levels) and loved the vibe of hunting with other players.
Black Chinchompas (Levels 53-80)
At level 53, you can catch black chinchompas in the Wilderness (level 32-35). Yes, it’s risky because of PKers, but the rewards are worth it. I’ve had my fair share of close calls with PKers, but setting traps strategically and staying alert kept me safe most of the time. Use box traps and bring a teleport for quick escapes.
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XP per hour: ~50,000-60,000 XP.
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GP per hour: Up to 1M+ depending on chin prices.
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Safety tip: Bank often and don’t bring gear you can’t afford to lose.
Falconry (Levels 43-57, Optional)
If the Wilderness isn’t your thing, try falconry at the Piscatoris Falconry area. You’ll need 500 GP to rent a falcon and catch spotted kebbits (level 43) or dark kebbits (level 57). It’s super click-intensive but offers great XP. I used this method when I wanted a break from traps, and it felt like a mini-game.
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XP per hour: ~40,000-50,000 XP.
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Why it works: No inventory management, just pure hunting.
Endgame Hunter (Levels 80-99)
This is the home stretch, and it’s where you’ll see some of the fastest XP rates in the game. I remember hitting level 80 and feeling like a true Hunter pro. The methods here are efficient, and the Hunter cape is so close you can almost taste it.
Herbiboar (Levels 80-99)
The herbiboar in Fossil Island is one of the best methods for 80-99. You’ll need a noose wand, 80 Hunter, and 31 Herblore (or a boost). Track the herbiboar, inspect its burrows, and catch it for massive XP and herbs. I loved this method because it also gave me Herblore supplies, which saved me a ton of GP.
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XP per hour: ~120,000-150,000 XP.
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Bonus: You get herbs like ranarr and snapdragon, which sell for decent money.
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Tip: Complete the Bone Voyage quest to access Fossil Island.
Question: Ever gotten the herbi pet? It’s rare, but I got mine at level 92, and it was such a thrill!
Black Salamanders (Levels 67-99, Alternative)
If you prefer a more AFK method, try black salamanders in the Wilderness (level 20-22). Use net traps and bring a knife to release them quickly. It’s less XP than herbiboar but super chill. I used this when I wanted to multitask or avoid crowded herbiboar spots.
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XP per hour: ~80,000-100,000 XP.
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Why it’s great: Low effort and decent profits.
Hunter Guild and Advanced Tips
The Hunter Guild (unlocked at 46 Hunter) is a game-changer for high-level training. Located near Hosidius, it offers unique creatures like sunlight antelope and moonlight moths. I spent a lot of time here for the variety and community vibe. You’ll need to complete mini-quests to access some creatures, but it’s worth it for the XP and unique rewards.
General Tips for Faster 99
Here’s what I’ve learned from my grind to 99 Hunter:
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Use boosts: Hunter potions or the hunting skillcape (if you’ve got it) can give you a level boost for better catches.
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Gear up: Wear the graceful outfit for faster movement and stamina. I noticed a huge difference in efficiency.
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Tick manipulation: For methods like herbiboar, learn 1.5-tick or 2-tick hunting to maximize XP. It’s tricky but worth practicing.
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Bank efficiently: Sell your catches regularly to keep your inventory clear and make GP.
Method |
Level |
XP per Hour |
GP per Hour |
Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Crimson Swifts |
1-9 |
3,000-4,000 |
Minimal |
|
Polar Kebbits |
9-15 |
5,000-6,000 |
Minimal |
Piscatoris |
Red Chinchompas |
43-53 |
30,000-40,000 |
~800K-1M |
|
Black Chinchompas |
53-80 |
50,000-60,000 |
~1M+ |
|
Herbiboar |
80-99 |
120,000-150,000 |
~200K-500K |
|
Black Salamanders |
67-99 |
80,000-100,000 |
~100K-200K |
Money-Making with Hunter
Hunter is one of the best skills for making GP while training. Chinchompas (red and black) are your bread and butter, with black chins fetching up to 1,000 GP each. Herbiboar also drops valuable herbs, which add up over time. During my grind, I funded my entire PVM setup by selling chins, and it felt so rewarding to see my bank grow.
Quick Story: One time, I was hunting black chins in the Wilderness and got ambushed by a PKer. I managed to tele out with a full inventory of chins worth over 1M. My heart was racing, but it was such a rush!
FAQs About Hunter in OSRS
What’s the fastest way to 99 Hunter?
Herbiboar is the fastest at high levels, offering up to 150,000 XP per hour. Combine it with tick manipulation for max efficiency.
Is Hunter profitable?
Absolutely! Black chinchompas and herbiboar can net you millions while training.
What’s the best low-level method?
Crimson swifts and polar kebbits are great for beginners. They’re easy and don’t require much gear.
Should I train in the Wilderness?
Only if you’re comfortable with the risk. Bring minimal gear and bank often to stay safe.
Final Thoughts
Getting to 99 Hunter in OSRS is a journey, but it’s one worth taking. From the early days of chasing birds to mastering herbiboar, every level feels like an adventure. I’ve had my fair share of triumphs (hello, herbi pet!) and fails (releasing those chins still haunts me), but it’s all part of the fun. Stick with it, use the tips in this guide, and you’ll be rocking that Hunter cape in no time. What’s your favorite Hunter method? Drop a comment and let me know!