New to the game, want to be an archer

[noamiko1]

Hello, I'm kinda new to the game and i don't know how archery works, i tried to hunt a fox but an arrow did 3 dmg to him, and i got mauled.
I'm kinda afraid to try to hunt again because I don't want to loose my character, i have some assumptions why it happen, ill write them, if anyone can help it will be appreciated, and don't feel shy to leave some tips on archery or hunting in general, anything helps.
Thanks!
- My perception is 25, and Marksmanship is 10
- I didn't have a combat school saved

[Colin500]

i tried to hunt a fox but an arrow did 3 dmg to him,

You were probably too close to the fox, the closer the target is to you, the less damage you will deal with arrows. You need to keep safe distance next time, try using boats.

[Tamalak]

You have to kill the enemy at range. If you don't it will maul you. So you have to do one of these things:

1. Be faster than the enemy e.g. ants, boar, and kite it.
2. Kill the enemy before it can get to you. May not be possible at your level but try it on bats
3. Use a boat to keep the enemy from getting to you.
4. Have enough unarmed combat skill to finish off a wounded foe.
5. Have an ally tank the enemy for you while you kill at range

[Southpaw]

Fifth point is particularly useful. Ranged combat does damage incredibly quick compared to melee right now. Bats will only get off 1 move in the space it takes to shoot them twice to kill with Q10 bow and Q10 bone arrows.