What’s the best way to avoid bounty hunters while collecting herbs?

Avoiding bounty hunters while collecting herbs in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategic planning, understanding game mechanics, and utilizing the environment to your advantage. Bounty hunters are relentless and will track you down if you have a high bounty in a specific region. To minimize encounters, start by keeping your bounty low. Pay off any bounties at a post office or through the in-game ledger if you have the funds. This is the most straightforward way to avoid bounty hunters entirely.\n\nIf you cannot pay off your bounty, focus on collecting herbs in regions where you do not have an active bounty. For example, if your bounty is in Lemoyne, head to Ambarino or New Hanover to gather herbs without interference. Each state has its own bounty system, so crossing state lines can temporarily keep bounty hunters at bay. Use the map to identify herb-rich areas like the Heartlands or Big Valley, which are often less patrolled by lawmen and bounty hunters.\n\nWhen collecting herbs, stay off main roads and avoid towns or settlements. Bounty hunters often patrol these areas, and being spotted can trigger a pursuit. Instead, stick to remote areas like forests, mountains, or riverbanks. For example, the area around Cumberland Forest is excellent for finding herbs like Yarrow and Wild Carrot while remaining relatively hidden. Use your Eagle Eye ability to spot herbs from a distance, allowing you to plan your route and avoid open areas where bounty hunters might spot you.\n\nIf bounty hunters do appear, prioritize evasion over confrontation. Use your horse to quickly escape into dense terrain, such as forests or rocky areas, where their horses cannot easily follow. Crouch and hide in bushes or behind large rocks to break their line of sight. If you must fight, use a bow or silenced weapons to avoid drawing more attention. Smoke bombs and throwing knives can also help you escape without escalating the situation.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to travel at night. Bounty hunters are less active during nighttime, and the reduced visibility makes it easier to avoid detection. Equip dark clothing or the Legendary Buck Antler Trinket, which reduces your visibility to enemies. Additionally, consider using cover scents like the Cover Scent Lotions sold at general stores to mask your presence from both bounty hunters and wildlife.\n\nFinally, always be prepared. Stock up on health tonics, ammunition, and horse stimulants before venturing into the wilderness. If you are caught off guard, having these items can mean the difference between escaping and being captured. By combining these strategies, you can efficiently collect herbs while minimizing the risk of encountering bounty hunters.\n\nIn summary, the best way to avoid bounty hunters while collecting herbs is to keep your bounty low, gather herbs in regions without an active bounty, stay off main roads, use stealth and evasion tactics, and travel at night. Understanding these mechanics and planning your route carefully will allow you to enjoy the game''s herb-collecting mechanics without constant interruptions from bounty hunters.