Although in W4 Animal LP got boosted a bit (and nerfed down again in most cases), their spawn ratio seems about 30% of that in W3 to me, at best.
I know hunting was and supposedly still is? (I cant really imagine that I earn more with hunting than hardcore grinding atm but whatever) OP, but yah, make it earn even less LP then and just spawn more animals.
It shouldnt be dependent on taking the right or wrong river after having boated for an hour to find any animal at all.