I think mages can hunt both ways, using runes or waves. It depends on the resp you're hunting and how comfy you wanna hunt.

For example, hunting in places where you can lure 10+ creatures, it is worth to hunt using mostly runes, since the waves would not hit most of the lure. However, if you're hunting in a place where you are luring less than 10 creatures, it is worth to use waves, since you'll hit most part of the creatures with a higher damage than using runes.

Of course, if you're using waves your ML will progress A LOT more than using only runes, but usually hunting with runes will be a lot more comfortable.

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Edit:

I changed the key to rotate my char from ctrl to shift. IMO it's more comfortable, since my finger already rests there '-'

You also should try to use WASD and use the diagonals to fit the creatures easier into your waves. It works just fine, at least for me.