One of the main purposes of hunting in Medieval times was as a method of training for combat and warfare. Hunting hart (deer), wild boar, and bear allowed one to practice one's riding skills and the use of various weapons. It also provided an opportunity to improve team tactics and leadership skills.

All of the above noted large game as well as smaller game such as hare and fox were all hunted in the same manner. Generally, they would be hunted by a method called par force or par force de chiens (by strength of hounds) which used dogs to locate and chase the game, while hunters followed both mounted and on foot. The animal was persued until it turned at bay (gave up the chase) at which time the hunter could close in for the kill.

Another less common form of hunting was called bow and stable and was mostly used in deer hunting. This method used both dogs and mounted hunters to drive game into a waiting line of archers and is similar to hunting methods that are still used today.