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The Complete Old School RuneScape Hunter Guide

Mar-26-2026 PST Category: Runescape

Old School RuneScape’s Hunter skill is one of the most engaging and varied ways to train, combining tracking, trapping, and skilling across Gielinor. Whether you want experience, money, or unique drops, the right methods at each stage will save time and keep your gameplay fresh. If you're looking to enhance your training or speed up progress, you might consider ways to buy OSRS gold to purchase necessary supplies or unlock certain features more quickly. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to train Hunter from level 1 to 99 efficiently.


Starting Out: The Varrock Museum Quiz

The best way to begin is by completing the Varrock Museum quiz. Technically not a quest, it functions like one, giving you a fast boost from level 1 to 9 Hunter and Slayer in just a few minutes. Using the Quest Helper plugin can streamline this process, allowing you to start your training efficiently. Other quests for early Hunter levels generally require at least level 12 and provide minimal experience, making the quiz the ideal jumpstart.


Early Training: Birdhouse Runs

Birdhouse runs are a low-intensity method for accumulating Hunter experience while earning Crafting XP as a bonus. Located on Fossil Island, these require completing the Bone Voyage quest. You’ll need to build and place four birdhouses, each crafted from logs and clockwork mechanisms, and fill them with seeds. The birdhouses collect birds automatically over about 50 minutes, making this method similar to a farming run.

Once the initial birdhouses are crafted, you can reuse the clockwork mechanisms and continue refilling with seeds and logs. Higher-tier birdhouses improve XP rates and loot drops, making them suitable for consistent hourly runs. This method is particularly advantageous for Ironman accounts, allowing for both XP and resource collection.


Hunter Rumors: Slayers of the Hunter Guild

At level 46 Hunter, you unlock Hunter Rumors-a system akin to Slayer tasks. By completing contracts from Hunter masters in the Hunter Guild basement, you catch specified creatures to earn bonus XP and loot sacks. The rewards include the Quitzel whistle for teleporting to the Guild, the Guild Hunter outfit to increase catch rates, and the Huntsman’s kit for efficient gear management.

Hunter Rumors are a dynamic way to train because they vary your activities, teach you about different areas, and reward exploration. They are particularly useful for maintaining engagement and enhancing overall gameplay knowledge.


Mid-Level Methods: Feldip Weasels and Sapphire Glacials

From levels 9 to 25, the best method is tracking Feldip Weasels in Feldip Hills using a noose wand. Wearing a Ring of Pursuit simplifies tracking by revealing the full path to your target. Levels 25 to 39 can focus on Sapphire Glacials, butterflies in the Relica Hunter area. Here, bird snares can be combined with catching Ceruan Twitches for a hybrid XP method.

From 39 to 49, Embertailed Jerboas in the Aven Savannah provide solid XP using box traps. While the monetary gain is low, the XP rates are excellent, and with three box traps at level 40, this method is consistent and straightforward.


High-Level Training: Razorback Kevitz and Chin Chompas

Levels 49 to 77 are optimal for Razorback Kevitz in Episcurus using the tracking method. Box traps allow for high XP per hour, making this the first significant XP jump in your Hunter journey.

At level 63, Red Chin Chompas on Chin Chompa Island (requiring 42 Sailing) become available. This method is slower initially but is engaging, profitable, and excellent for remote island training. At level 73, Black Chinchompas in the Wilderness offer high GP potential, though riskier due to PvP threats.


Endgame Hunter: Rainbow Crabs and Herbivore

From level 77, Rainbow Crabs on Crown Jewel Island provide consistent XP and profit, requiring setup of multiple traps and baiting with fine fish offcuts. Low click intensity makes this a comfortable training method.

Finally, levels 90 to 99 are best spent with Herbivore, unlocked at level 80 and requiring Fossil Island access. This tracking-based method provides higher XP rates than Rainbow Crabs and adds variety to your training routine.


Alternative and Hybrid Methods

Other options include Drift Net Fishing and Aerial Fishing, which provide hybrid Fishing and Hunter XP. Drift Net Fishing, located underwater on Fossil Island, is more intensive but rewarding in XP. For mid-level players, catching Maniacal Monkeys and using Deadfall traps offers an engaging semi-AFK approach, while pitfall traps for Moonlight Antelopes in the Hunter Guild basement at high levels provide rare drops, meat for food, and extra XP.


Final Tips

Hunter training in OSRS is more than just grinding one method. Rotating methods keeps gameplay engaging, and combining profit-making with XP acquisition helps sustain long training sessions. If you're looking to speed up your progress, consider investing in cheap OSRS gold to purchase essential supplies or unlock more efficient training options. Use plugins, quest items, and transport shortcuts efficiently, and mix activities like box trapping, birdhouse runs, and Rumors to maximize gains. With consistent effort, reaching level 99 Hunter is both attainable and enjoyable.

Following this path from the Varrock Museum quiz to Herbivore will give players both the knowledge and experience to master Hunter in Old School RuneScape efficiently.