How do I avoid being detected by a Legendary Animal’s heightened senses?

Hunting Legendary Animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires careful planning and execution due to their heightened senses. These creatures are more alert than regular animals, making them harder to approach. To avoid detection, you must understand the game mechanics and use specific strategies to stay undetected.\n\nFirst, always approach the hunting area on foot. Legendary Animals can detect the sound of your horse from a great distance, which will scare them off. Dismount your horse and leave it at a safe distance, preferably outside the red search zone marked on your map. This ensures that your horse’s movements or noises don’t alert the animal.\n\nNext, use Cover Scent Lotion to mask your scent. This item is essential for hunting Legendary Animals, as they can smell you from far away. Apply the lotion before entering the hunting zone, and reapply it if you notice the animal becoming restless or fleeing. You can purchase Cover Scent Lotion from general stores or craft it using herbs like Creeping Thyme and Common Bulrush.\n\nWhen moving through the hunting zone, crouch to reduce your visibility and noise. Legendary Animals have sharp eyesight and hearing, so moving slowly and quietly is crucial. Use the environment to your advantage by staying behind trees, rocks, or tall grass. These natural covers will break your line of sight and help you get closer without being detected.\n\nPay attention to the wind direction, as it plays a significant role in hunting. If the wind is blowing toward the animal, your scent will carry in that direction, alerting it to your presence. Use the wind indicator on your mini-map to adjust your approach. Always try to move with the wind at your back or perpendicular to the animal’s location.\n\nOnce you’ve located the Legendary Animal, use a scoped rifle or bow for a clean kill. These weapons allow you to maintain distance while delivering a precise shot. Aim for the head or heart to ensure a one-hit kill, as Legendary Animals are tougher and can escape if wounded. The Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle are excellent choices for this task.\n\nIf the animal detects you and starts to flee, don’t panic. Use Dead Eye to slow down time and land a critical shot. Alternatively, track the animal’s trail using Eagle Eye. Legendary Animals leave golden clues, such as tracks, fur, or droppings, which can help you relocate them. Follow these clues patiently, and you’ll eventually catch up.\n\nFinally, be prepared for unexpected challenges. Some Legendary Animals, like the Legendary Bear or Legendary Wolf, may attack you if you get too close. Equip a powerful weapon like a shotgun or revolver for self-defense. Additionally, stock up on health tonics and snake oil to replenish your health and Dead Eye during the hunt.\n\nIn summary, avoid detection by approaching on foot, using Cover Scent Lotion, crouching, and paying attention to wind direction. Use scoped rifles or bows for clean kills, and track the animal if it flees. With these strategies, you’ll successfully hunt Legendary Animals without being detected.