What’s the best weapon to hunt small game for crafting?

Hunting small game in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for crafting valuable items like trinkets, talismans, and satchels. The best weapon for hunting small game is the Varmint Rifle. This weapon is specifically designed to kill small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and birds without damaging their pelts or carcasses. Using the right weapon ensures you get perfect pelts, which are required for high-quality crafting.\n\nTo obtain the Varmint Rifle, you can purchase it from any gunsmith in the game. It costs $72, making it an affordable option early in the game. The Varmint Rifle uses .22 caliber ammo, which is also available at gunsmiths. Once you have the rifle, equip it and use Dead Eye to target small animals. Aim for the head or vital areas to ensure a clean kill and a perfect pelt.\n\nSmall game animals are abundant throughout the game world, but some locations are particularly rich in these creatures. For example, the forests near Valentine and the areas around Rhodes are excellent spots for hunting rabbits and squirrels. Birds like crows and quails can often be found near water sources or open fields. Use your binoculars or Eagle Eye ability to track animals and identify their quality before engaging.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining the quality of the pelt. If you use the wrong weapon, such as a shotgun or repeater, the pelt will be ruined. Always use the Varmint Rifle for small game. Additionally, avoid chasing animals on horseback, as this can scare them away or cause accidental damage. Instead, approach on foot and crouch to reduce noise.\n\nFor birds, the Varmint Rifle is also effective, but you can use Small Game Arrows for an even cleaner kill. Craft Small Game Arrows by combining regular arrows with flight feathers and shotgun shells. These arrows are ideal for hunting tiny birds like sparrows or bats, which are often needed for crafting specific trinkets.\n\nAnother tip is to hunt during the early morning or late evening when animals are most active. This increases your chances of finding high-quality small game. If you’re struggling to locate animals, use bait like herbivore bait for rabbits or omnivore bait for raccoons. Place the bait in a clear area and wait nearby for animals to approach.\n\nFinally, always check the animal’s quality before shooting. A three-star animal will yield a perfect pelt, while lower-quality animals are less valuable for crafting. Use Eagle Eye to assess the animal’s condition and focus on hunting only the best specimens. By following these steps, you’ll efficiently gather the materials needed for crafting and upgrades in Red Dead Redemption 2.