How the heck are you supposed to hunt larger animals? (Deer/Caribou, Etc...)

Pretty much what the title says. Im getting into the game, and I am having trouble taking down larger prey animals. I am currently using a Crude Bow (working on a Long Bow) and Bismuth Bronze arrows. The Deer just recently started appearing around my area, and I wanted to hunt some for extra meat and pelts, but whenever I hit one with an arrow, they run off and essentially vanish. I have managed to bring one down but it took 5 arrows and a lucky strike from a spear to bring it down. Is there a more effective method other than just getting higher damage?