OSRS Lark in Dog Guide for Efficient Skilling

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) offers countless ways to train skills, and one quirky yet effective method for Hunter training is the “Lark in Dog” technique. This approach, centered around larupia hunting in the Feldip Hills, combines efficiency with a touch of humor, thanks to its playful name derived from a typo in the game’s community forums. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer aiming to level up your Hunter skill, this guide dives deep into the mechanics, setup, and strategies to master lark in dog, helping you maximize experience rates while enjoying the grind.
The lark in dog method is a niche Hunter training technique that involves hunting larupias, a type of big cat found in the Feldip Hills, using pitfall traps. It’s named after a humorous forum post where a player mistakenly typed “lark in dog” instead of “larupia.” The method shines for players with moderate to high Hunter levels (43+), offering decent experience rates and a refreshing break from more repetitive skilling tasks like birdhouse runs.
Why Choose Lark in Dog?
This method stands out for several reasons:
- Moderate Requirements: Accessible at 43 Hunter, making it viable for mid-level players.
- Low Cost: Minimal gear and supply expenses compared to other methods like chinchompas.
- Engaging Gameplay: Setting traps and luring larupias keeps you active, unlike passive methods.
- Rewards: Larupia furs can be used for crafting or sold for profit.
Experience Rates
With optimal setup and focus, players can expect around 30,000–50,000 Hunter XP per hour at level 43, scaling up to 60,000+ XP per hour at higher levels (70+). Rates depend on your efficiency in setting traps and avoiding mistakes like misclicks.
Requirements and Setup
Before diving into the Feldip Hills, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements and gather the right gear. This section covers everything from skills to inventory to ensure you’re ready to trap larupias like a pro.
Skill and Quest Prerequisites
To start lark in dog, you need:
- Hunter Level 43: Required to trap larupias.
- Completion of Bone Voyage (optional): Unlocks Fossil Island for faster travel to Feldip Hills via the canal barge.
- Partial completion of Fairy Tale Part II (optional): Grants access to fairy rings for quick teleports (code AKS).
Recommended Gear
Your gear should prioritize weight reduction and camouflage for better trap success:
Slot | Item | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Head | Larupia Hat | Increases trap success rate |
Body | Larupia Top | Boosts camouflage |
Legs | Larupia Legs | Completes the set bonus |
Boots | Boots of Lightness | Reduces weight |
Cape | Spottier Cape | Further weight reduction |
Inventory Setup
A typical inventory includes:
- 5 Teasing Sticks: Used to lure larupias.
- 5 Logs: For setting pitfall traps (mahogany or better for faster setup).
- Knife: To carve logs into traps.
- Rope: Essential for pitfall traps (bring spares).
- Teleportation Items: Fairy ring staff, Digsite pendant, or house tabs for quick banking.
- Stamina Potions: Maintain run energy for faster cycles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lark in Dog
Now that you’re geared up, let’s break down the process of hunting larupias using the lark in dog method. Follow these steps to keep your traps active and your XP flowing.
Getting to Feldip Hills
The larupia hunting area is south of the Feldip Hills Hunter area. Travel options include:
- Fairy Ring (AKS): Fastest if you’ve unlocked it.
- Canal Barge: From Fossil Island, post-Bone Voyage.
- Charter Ship: From Port Sarim to Corsair Cove, then run south.
Setting Up Traps
Larupias are caught using pitfall traps, which you create on the spot:
- Locate a larupia (they roam the southern Feldip Hills).
- Use a teasing stick to provoke it, making it follow you.
- Lead the larupia to a trap spot (marked by a dirt patch).
- Combine logs, rope, and a knife to build a pitfall trap.
- Lure the larupia over the trap to catch it.
Tips for Efficiency
Maximize your XP by:
- Using Multiple Traps: At higher Hunter levels (60+), you can set up to 4 traps simultaneously.
- Timing Your Tease: Provoke larupias only when traps are ready to avoid downtime.
- Banking Furs: Drop low-value items and bank furs periodically to maintain inventory space.
Pros and Cons of Lark in Dog
Like any skilling method, lark in dog has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your OSRS goals.
Advantages
Here’s why players love this method:
- Cost-Effective: Minimal upfront investment compared to red chinchompas.
- Scalable XP: Experience improves significantly with levels and gear.
- Low Competition: Feldip Hills is less crowded than popular spots like black chinchompas.
Disadvantages
Potential downsides include:
- Click-Intensive: Requires constant attention, unlike passive methods.
- Moderate Profit: Larupia furs sell for decent money, but it’s not a goldmine.
- Learning Curve: New players may struggle with trap timing initially.
Alternative Hunter Methods
If lark in dog doesn’t suit your playstyle, OSRS offers other Hunter training options. Comparing them helps you pick the best method for your goals.
Birdhouse Runs
Levels 5–99: Passive method yielding 20,000–50,000 XP per hour. Ideal for low-effort training but requires 5-minute cycles every 50 minutes.
Red Chinchompas
Levels 63–99: Offers 100,000–150,000 XP per hour at high levels. More expensive and competitive but great for fast leveling.
Herbiboar
Levels 80–99: Combines Hunter and Herblore for 150,000–200,000 XP per hour. High requirements but profitable and engaging.
Method | Level Range | XP/Hour | Cost | Intensity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lark in Dog | 43–99 | 30,000–60,000 | Low | Moderate |
Birdhouse Runs | 5–99 | 20,000–50,000 | Low | Low |
Red Chinchompas | 63–99 | 100,000–150,000 | High | High |
Herbiboar | 80–99 | 150,000–200,000 | Moderate | High |
The lark in dog method is a hidden gem in OSRS for players seeking a balance of affordability, engagement, and decent XP gains. By mastering pitfall traps and optimizing your setup, you can turn the Feldip Hills into your personal skilling playground. Whether you stick with larupias or explore alternatives, this guide equips you with the knowledge to level Hunter efficiently. Grab your teasing stick, set those traps, and let the lark in dog adventure begin!