How to Level Hunting in OSRS Best Methods Tips and Tricks for Fast XP

Hunter is one of the most unique and rewarding skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), allowing players to track, trap, and capture creatures across Gielinor for experience, loot, and rare rewards. From catching butterflies to hunting elusive implings or powerful chinchompas, Hunter offers diverse training methods that cater to different playstyles. However, leveling Hunter can feel slow or overwhelming without the right approach. This comprehensive guide details the best methods, tips, and tricks to level Hunter quickly and efficiently, helping you hit level 99 or achieve your goals with minimal grind. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll find strategies to maximize XP and enjoy the journey.

Why Train Hunter?

Hunter isn’t just about experience points—it unlocks valuable rewards and content, including:

Chinchompas: Used for ranged combat training and bossing.
Implings: Catch them for rare loot like clue scrolls or dragon items.
Herbiboar: A high-level method yielding herbs and Herbi pet chance.
Access to Quests and Diaries: Skills like Eagles’ Peak (level 27) or Western Provinces Diary (level 70 for red chinchompas).
Passive Income: Loot from creatures like implings or chinchompas can fund other skills.

Hunter is also relatively low-cost compared to skills like Prayer or Herblore, making it ideal for ironmen, skillers, or players on a budget. Plus, with the right methods, you can achieve fast XP rates while enjoying varied gameplay.

Getting Started: Prerequisites

Before diving into training, gather these essentials to make your Hunter journey smoother:

Basic Equipment: Nets, ropes, box traps, bird snares, or butterfly nets, depending on the method (most are cheap or craftable).
Quest Completion:
- Eagles’ Peak (unlocks box trapping at level 27).
- Monkey Madness I (optional, for early red chinchompa access at level 29 with precautions).
Teleportation Methods: Runes, jewelry (e.g., Games Necklace, Ring of Dueling), or fairy rings for quick travel.
Weight-Reducing Gear: Graceful outfit or Boots of Lightness to preserve run energy.
Stamina Potions: Essential for methods requiring constant movement (e.g., implings, herbiboar).
Hunter Potion or Scentless Potion (optional): Boosts level for early access to methods or improves trap success.
Access to Fairy Rings: Complete Fairy Tale II (partial) for faster travel to Hunter areas.

No matter your level, there’s a method to suit your needs. Let’s explore the fastest and most efficient ways to train Hunter.

Step-by-Step Hunter Training Roadmap

Hunter training progresses through distinct level brackets, each unlocking new creatures and methods. Below is a general roadmap, followed by detailed methods:

Levels 1–9: Crimson swifts (bird snaring).
Levels 9–20: Tropical wags or copper longtails (bird snaring).
Levels 20–29: Ruby harvest butterflies (netting).
Levels 29–43: Grey chinchompas (box trapping).
Levels 43–53: Maniacal monkeys (deadfall, after Monkey Madness II).
Levels 53–63: Red chinchompas (box trapping).
Levels 63–80: Carnivorous chinchompas (box trapping).
Levels 80–99: Herbiboar or black chinchompas (box trapping).

Now, let’s break down the best methods for each stage, focusing on XP efficiency and ease.

Best Methods for Leveling Hunter

These methods are optimized for fast XP, balancing accessibility, cost, and effort. XP rates assume average focus and recommended gear.

Method 1: Bird Snaring (Levels 1–20)

Bird snaring is the starting point for Hunter, using bird snares to catch low-level birds. It’s simple, cheap, and great for beginners.

Steps:
1. Buy Bird Snares: Purchase from the Grand Exchange or Hunter shops (e.g., Yanille, Nardah).
2. Head to Locations:
  - Levels 1–9: Crimson swifts at Feldip Hills (south of Yanille, near fairy ring AKS).
  - Levels 9–20: Tropical wags (Feldip Hills) or copper longtails (Piscatoris Hunting Area, fairy ring AKQ).
3. Set Snares: Place one snare (up to two at level 20), wait for birds to approach, and retrieve caught birds for XP.
4. Relocate Snares: If a snare fails (falls over), reset it nearby to maintain catches.
Pros:
- Minimal cost (snares are ~100–200 GP each).
- Accessible at level 1.
- Low attention required; semi-AFK.
Cons:
- Slow XP (5,000–10,000 XP/hour).
- Limited scalability until higher levels.
XP per Hour:
- Crimson swifts: ~5,000–7,000.
- Tropical wags/copper longtails: ~8,000–10,000.

Method 2: Butterfly Netting (Levels 20–29)

Butterfly netting introduces a more active method, catching butterflies with a net for decent XP and early agility boosts.

Steps:
1. Gear Up: Buy a butterfly net and jars (Grand Exchange or Hunter shops).
2. Go to Piscatoris: Teleport via fairy ring AKQ or Phoenix Lair teleport.
3. Catch Ruby Harvests: Chase and net ruby harvest butterflies (level 15). Release them for XP (24 XP each).
4. Manage Jars: Empty jars periodically to keep catching (or release instantly for speed).
Pros:
- Faster than bird snaring (~15,000–20,000 XP/hour).
- Grants small Agility XP (1 XP per catch).
- Fun, active gameplay.
Cons:
- Requires constant clicking and movement.
- Jars add inventory management (mitigated by releasing).
XP per Hour: ~15,000–20,000.

Method 3: Grey Chinchompas (Levels 29–43)

Box trapping grey chinchompas is a significant XP jump, offering good rates and early profit potential.

Steps:
1. Get Box Traps: Buy 5–25 traps (use more as level increases: 2 at 20, 3 at 40, etc.).
2. Travel to Feldip Hills: Use fairy ring AKS or Games Necklace to Ogre Enclave.
3. Set Traps: Place traps in the grey chinchompa area (southwest Feldip Hills). Reset traps when they catch or collapse.
4. Bank or Drop: Keep chinchompas for profit (~800 GP each) or drop for pure XP focus.
Pros:
- Decent XP (~30,000–40,000 XP/hour).
- Chinchompas sell for profit, offsetting costs.
- Scales with level (more traps = more catches).
Cons:
- Moderately click-intensive.
- Risk of dying to aggressive NPCs (ogres) without caution.
XP per Hour: ~30,000–40,000.

Method 4: Maniacal Monkeys (Levels 43–53)

Deadfall trapping maniacal monkeys in Kruk’s Dungeon (post-Monkey Madness II) is a low-effort, high-XP method for mid-levels.

Steps:
1. Access Kruk’s Dungeon: Complete Monkey Madness II and teleport to Ape Atoll (fairy ring CLR or Ape Atoll teleport).
2. Bring Supplies: Bananas (buy from GE or Ape Atoll stalls), knife, and weight-reducing gear.
3. Set Deadfalls: Use bananas on boulders in the maniacal monkey area to set traps. Reset when monkeys are caught.
4. Stay Alert: Reposition traps if they fail frequently.
Pros:
- High XP for level (~50,000–60,000 XP/hour).
- Semi-AFK; less clicking than chinchompas.
- Safe with proper quest completion.
Cons:
- Requires Monkey Madness II (significant questline).
- Limited level range before red chinchompas outperform.
XP per Hour: ~50,000–60,000.

Method 5: Red Chinchompas (Levels 53–63)

Red chinchompas are the go-to method for mid-to-high levels, balancing XP, profit, and accessibility.

Steps:
1. Stock Traps: Buy 5–25 box traps (max 5 active traps at level 80).
2. Reach Hunting Area: Teleport to Feldip Hills (fairy ring AKS) or Kandarin Hunter Area (fairy ring AKS, after Western Provinces Hard Diary).
3. Trap Chinchompas: Place traps in dense chinchompa spawns (e.g., northwest Feldip Hills). Reset traps after catches or failures.
4. Bank for Profit: Sell red chinchompas (~1,500 GP each) or drop for XP focus.
Pros:
- Excellent XP (~60,000–80,000 XP/hour).
- High profit potential (up to 500k GP/hour).
- Straightforward mechanics.
Cons:
- Competitive in popular worlds; use less-crowded ones.
- Click-intensive compared to deadfalls.
XP per Hour: ~60,000–80,000.

Method 6: Carnivorous Chinchompas (Levels 63–80)

Carnivorous (red) chinchompas in the Wilderness offer superior XP but come with PKer risks.

Steps:
1. Prepare Gear: 5–25 box traps, low-risk items (e.g., monk robes), stamina potions, and teleports (Burning Amulet to Lava Maze).
2. Go to Wilderness: Head to level 32 Wilderness (south of Lava Maze) or level 17 (near Red Dragon Isle).
3. Set Traps: Place traps in chinchompa spawns. Stay vigilant for PKers (scout with an alt if possible).
4. Escape Plan: Carry a one-click teleport (e.g., Glory, Royal Seed Pod) and avoid bringing chinchompas to bank.
Pros:
- High XP (~80,000–100,000 XP/hour).
- Profitable (~2,000 GP per chinchompa).
- Less crowded than Feldip Hills.
Cons:
- Wilderness risks (PKers can kill you).
- Requires constant awareness.
XP per Hour: ~80,000–100,000.

Method 7: Herbiboar (Levels 80–99)

Herbiboar on Fossil Island is the fastest non-Wilderness method, offering Hunter XP, Herblore XP, and loot.

Steps:
1. Unlock Fossil Island: Complete Bone Voyage.
2. Gear Up: Stamina potions, weight-reducing gear, spade, and secateurs (optional for 10% XP boost).
3. Track Herbiboar: Start at a burrow (e.g., north of Mushroom Meadow). Follow tracks, inspect objects, and dig at final burrows.
4. Repeat: Continue tracking (average 2–3 minutes per herbiboar). Use fairy ring DJS for quick resets.
Pros:
- Top-tier XP (~120,000–150,000 XP/hour at 99).
- Grants Herblore XP (~2,000–3,000/hour) and herbs.
- Safe, engaging, and solo-friendly.
Cons:
- High level requirement (80 Hunter, 36 Herblore).
- Click-intensive and stamina-heavy.
XP per Hour: ~120,000–150,000.

Method 8: Black Chinchompas (Levels 80–99)

Black chinchompas in the Wilderness are the absolute fastest Hunter XP but carry the highest risk.

Steps:
1. Minimize Risk: Bring 5–25 box traps, monk robes, stamina potions, and a Burning Amulet (Chaos Temple teleport).
2. Access Area: Head to level 32–35 Wilderness (southwest of Lava Maze).
3. Trap Chinchompas: Set traps in dense spawns. Watch for PKers constantly (use “Player Indicators” plugin if on Runelite).
4. Escape Quickly: Teleport out if PKers appear. Drop chinchompas unless banking safely.
Pros:
- Best XP in game (~150,000–200,000 XP/hour at 99).
- Massive profit (~3,500 GP per chinchompa).
- Thrilling gameplay.
Cons:
- Extreme PKer risk; expect frequent interruptions.
- Not recommended for HCIM or low-combat players.
XP per Hour: ~150,000–200,000.

Efficiency Comparison Table

Method	Level	XP per Hour	Effort Level	Profit	Best For
Bird Snaring	1–20	5,000–10,000	Low	None	Beginners
Butterfly Netting	20–29	15,000–20,000	Moderate	None	Early levels
Grey Chinchompas	29–43	30,000–40,000	Moderate	Low	Budget training
Maniacal Monkeys	43–53	50,000–60,000	Low	None	Semi-AFK mid-levels
Red Chinchompas	53–63	60,000–80,000	High	High	Balanced XP/profit
Carnivorous Chinchompas	63–80	80,000–100,000	High	High	Risk-tolerant players
Herbiboar	80–99	120,000–150,000	High	Moderate	Safe endgame
Black Chinchompas	80–99	150,000–200,000	Extreme	Very High	Max efficiency, high risk

Tips and Tricks for Faster Hunter XP

Boost your Hunter leveling with these practical tips:

Complete Key Quests Early: Eagles’ Peak (level 27) and Monkey Madness II (level 43 access) unlock critical methods.
Use Runelite Plugins:
- Hunter Plugin: Marks trap locations and timers.
- Player Indicators: Highlights PKers in the Wilderness.
- Ground Markers: Tracks herbiboar paths for consistency.
Boost with Potions: Hunter potions (+3 levels) or scentless potions (+3 effective levels) let you access methods early (e.g., red chins at 50).
Maximize Traps: Unlock extra traps at level 20 (2 traps), 40 (3), 60 (4), and 80 (5). Always use the maximum.
Wear Graceful Outfit: Reduces weight, saving run energy for butterfly netting, implings, or herbiboar.
Bank Efficiently: Use teleports like Games Necklace (Corporeal Beast for Piscatoris) or fairy rings to cut travel time.
Hunt in Low-Pop Worlds: Avoid crowded chinchompa spots by hopping to quieter worlds (e.g., 400s or skill total worlds).
Bring Stamina Potions: Essential for herbiboar or Wilderness methods to maintain constant movement.
Track Herbiboar Patterns: Memorize common track layouts (e.g., north burrow to rocks) to shave seconds off each hunt.
Mitigate Wilderness Risks:
- Hunt during off-peak hours (e.g., early mornings).
- Use a scout alt to monitor PKers.
- Carry minimal loot (drop chinchompas unless banking).
Combine with Other Goals: Catch implings for loot while training or use chinchompas for ranged XP later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Quests: Skipping Eagles’ Peak locks you out of box trapping, slowing progress.
Overloading Inventory: Don’t carry excess traps or loot; keep space for teleports and stamina potions.
Hunting in Crowded Areas: Popular chinchompa spots reduce catches. Hop worlds for better spawns.
Neglecting Run Energy: Without Graceful or stamina potions, methods like herbiboar become painfully slow.
Risking Too Much in Wilderness: Bring only what you’re willing to lose. Avoid banking chinchompas mid-session.
Forgetting Trap Limits: You can’t set more traps than your level allows (e.g., 4 at 60, 5 at 80).
Not Using Plugins: Runelite’s Hunter tools save time and reduce errors, especially for herbiboar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the fastest way to level Hunter?
A: Black chinchompas (level 80+) offer ~150,000–200,000 XP/hour but are risky. For safety, herbiboar (level 80) gives ~120,000–150,000 XP/hour.

Q: Is Hunter profitable?
A: Yes! Red and black chinchompas can yield 500k–1M GP/hour, and implings drop valuable loot like clue scrolls or dragon items.

Q: Can I train Hunter AFK?
A: Maniacal monkeys (level 43) and bird snaring (level 1) are semi-AFK, but most methods require active input for optimal XP.

Q: Do I need high combat for Hunter?
A: No, most methods are safe. Wilderness chinchompas require caution, but combat only helps with escaping PKers.

Q: Are Hunter potions worth using?
A: Yes, for early access to methods (e.g., red chins at 50). They’re cheap (~1,000 GP each) and save hours of grinding.

Q: How do I avoid PKers when hunting chinchompas?
A: Hunt in low-traffic worlds, use Player Indicators, carry a one-click teleport, and drop chinchompas instead of banking mid-session.

Q: Is herbiboar worth it for Herblore XP?
A: It’s decent (~2,000–3,000 XP/hour), but primarily a Hunter method. The herbs are a nice bonus for ironmen.

Conclusion

Leveling Hunter in OSRS is a journey of patience, strategy, and discovery. From humble bird snares at level 1 to the adrenaline-pumping black chinchompas or herbiboar chases at level 80+, there’s a method for every player. By following this guide’s roadmap—starting with crimson swifts, progressing to chinchompas, and mastering herbiboar or Wilderness hunting—you can achieve fast XP rates while potentially earning millions in profit. Combine these methods with smart tips like Runelite plugins, stamina potions, and efficient teleports to make the grind feel effortless.

Whether you’re chasing level 99, hunting for rare loot, or unlocking diary rewards, Hunter offers something unique: a blend of skill, exploration, and reward. Avoid common pitfalls, tailor your approach to your goals (profit vs. XP vs. safety), and enjoy the thrill of the chase. With dedication, you’ll be a master tracker in no time, ready to conquer Gielinor’s wilds. Happy hunting!