When you're hiding during Manhunt, what are your strategies? Do you attempt to hide and rack up small points? Or do you purposely get yourself seen and try to escape? I don't seem to be doing too well during the defensive segment.

Ah yes, Manhunt. Definitely my favorite mode. 
 
At the beginning of the match I usually run into the nearest hay pile to get an early lead. After getting a few points there, I join up with a group of people standing around and I morph. Usually it takes quite a few seconds before a pursuer gets to me. When they approach the circle, I drop a smoke bomb, stun them, and run away to join another group. I basically just repeat that process throughout the round.

find a good hiding spot and stay there as long as possible. 
trying to escape will either limit their points or gain them much more, depending on your escaping skills.

" Ah yes, Manhunt. Definitely my favorite mode.  At the beginning of the match I usually run into the nearest hay pile to get an early lead. After getting a few points there, I join up with a group of people standing around and I morph. Usually it takes quite a few seconds before a pursuer gets to me. When they approach the circle, I drop a smoke bomb, stun them, and run away to join another group. I basically just repeat that process throughout the round. "

" @natetodamax said:

" Ah yes, Manhunt. Definitely my favorite mode.  At the beginning of the match I usually run into the nearest hay pile to get an early lead. After getting a few points there, I join up with a group of people standing around and I morph. Usually it takes quite a few seconds before a pursuer gets to me. When they approach the circle, I drop a smoke bomb, stun them, and run away to join another group. I basically just repeat that process throughout the round. "

I always get killed when I get stunned, but if I never go offensive I don't rack up enough points to win. It's like I'm fucked either way. "

Key abilities: morph (without blender) / disguise (with blender), and smoke bomb. When possible, stick with your group. 60 points every 3 seconds (multiplied by 4 for team score) is A LOT. Also, always go for a stun if a group member dies around you---assuming you can approve the target without being painfully obvious. If they catch you trying to stun, they might just stab you in the face.
 
Pay a lot of attention if:  
- the persona is walking toward you directly 
- the persona does not meld with a group the same way AI does (pay attention to how AI merges with groups--it's very distinctly AI-like)  
 
Smoke bomb if: 
- the person uses Templar's Vision in your sight and enters your space; remember that it's always better to use it too early than too late 
- the non-AI-like group merger would have gained focus/almost gained focus
 
Run if: 
- the person is above you on a ledge; if they look ready to attack, that means they used Templar's Vision around a corner to spot you 
 
From what I understand, disguise is a wonderful tool once you get the blender perk. It wipes a lock--which is the most important thing to do when escaping. In my experience, smoke bomb is a much stronger tool than mute. Yes, mute is less obvious, but distant pursuers can be avoided. The pursuers who are right in your face will almost always successfully stab in an assassination/mute duel.

I'm a smoke bomb and stun fan.

If you're playing with friends, try to hide in a group, as you'll get more points for sticking together, at least early in the match.  Defense is all about keeping the score as close as possible until the round ends, then pour on the offense for an easy win

Maybe you should take a little looksie here?