Wandering the territory of Ashanefall in RuneScape: Dragonwilds, you will undoubtedly encounter deer. Unlike the aggressive cows or the absurdly brazen chickens, deer in this game are cautious, skittish, and incredibly fast. No brute force or mindless swinging of a stone club will help here. Therefore, to hunt a deer in this game, you need to prepare a bit more thoroughly.

Is it worth hunting deer in RuneScape: Dragonwilds

Deer in RuneScape: Dragonwilds are not just decorative animals running across the local lands. They are a reliable source of essential materials for your crafting. By hunting a deer, you will obtain antlers, raw meat, animal hide, and bones. All of this is used to create armor, dishes, or various potions. And if you are just starting the game or preparing for future quests, these resources can be invaluable on your journey.

Where to find deer in RuneScape: Dragonwilds

The best places to find deer at the start of the game are the Ashenfall location, specifically in the Temple Woods and Bramblemead Valley areas. Both regions are covered in dense forest, which deer love.

They don't appear often, usually in groups of up to three. Sometimes they can be seen in open areas, but more often among the trees. If you scare one, they all flee. Therefore, patience will be your important trait to avoid losing potential prey.

Deer, like other animals and resources in Dragonwilds, respawn over time, so if you didn't find them the first time, scared them off, or already hunted them — return to this spot after some time.

What weapon to choose for hunting deer

Running after a deer with a sword or club is pointless. They are too fast. You will need a ranged weapon, and the best option at the start is the Ash Shortbow.

You can craft it at a workbench, and for this, you will need:

• 12 ash logs
• 3 coarse threads

For arrows, stone arrows are suitable, which require:

• 1 ash log
• 1 stone
• 1 feather

One recipe gives you 33 arrows at once — more than enough for several hunts. However, if you already have Fang Arrows — even better: they deal more damage and can kill a deer with one accurate shot. For this type of arrow, you need: 1 small fang, 1 ash log, 1 feather.

You can also use the Ash Battlestaff if you prefer magic. But this is riskier and more costly since air runes are rarer at the start, and you'll have to make several shots to finish off the target.

Best gear for hunting deer

If you already have a set of Leather Armor — this will give you a huge advantage. It can be made from hide and coarse thread. A full set (hood, armor, pants) provides:

• +40% speed in sneak mode
• -33% stamina consumption during ranged attacks
• +25% damage to weak points

These bonuses greatly simplify hunting, especially if you use an Ash Shortbow with Fang Arrows.

How to sneak up and hunt a deer in RuneScape: Dragonwilds

As soon as you approach the territory where deer are found, slow down. Don't walk directly; instead, crouch to reduce your visibility. In Dragonwilds, deer have extremely sharp hearing and will flee instantly once they hear or see you.

Use the terrain around you: rocks, hills, or trees — all of this gives you an advantage in visibility and convenience for further shots. Aim for the body, as the game does not consider headshots as critical. If the arrow hits the target accurately and you use good ammunition, one shot will be enough to bring the deer down. Otherwise, you will have to shoot again before the deer escapes.