What’s the best way to preserve a perfect pelt while traveling long distances?

Preserving a perfect pelt while traveling long distances in Red Dead Redemption 2 is crucial for maximizing its value and ensuring it can be used for crafting high-quality items. The game mechanics around pelts are unforgiving, as they can degrade if not handled properly. To maintain a perfect pelt, you need to follow specific steps and understand how the game treats animal materials.\n\nFirst, always hunt with the right weapon and aim for a clean kill. Using the wrong weapon or damaging the pelt during the hunt will downgrade its quality. For example, a perfect deer pelt requires a rifle or bow with improved arrows. Study the animal beforehand using your binoculars or the Eagle Eye ability to confirm its quality and the best weapon to use. This ensures you start with a perfect pelt, which is the foundation for preserving it.\n\nOnce you’ve successfully hunted the animal and obtained a perfect pelt, skin it immediately. Leaving the carcass unskinned for too long can attract predators or cause the pelt to degrade. After skinning, store the pelt on your horse. Your horse has limited space for pelts, so prioritize perfect pelts over lower-quality ones. Large pelts, like those from bears or elk, will take up the entire storage slot, while smaller pelts can be stacked.\n\nTo protect the pelt during travel, avoid fast travel or reckless riding. Fast travel can sometimes cause pelts to disappear or degrade, and riding carelessly through rough terrain or into obstacles can damage the pelt. Stick to safe paths and avoid confrontations with enemies or predators, as these can also put your pelt at risk. If you’re traveling a particularly long distance, consider setting up camp along the way to save your progress and ensure the pelt remains intact.\n\nAnother key tip is to avoid unnecessary combat or risky activities while carrying a perfect pelt. If you engage in a shootout or fall from your horse, the pelt could be damaged or lost. Additionally, if your horse dies while carrying the pelt, you’ll lose it permanently. Always keep an eye on your horse’s health and avoid dangerous situations when transporting valuable pelts.\n\nIf you’re traveling to a specific location, such as the Trapper or a Fence, plan your route carefully. The Trapper, for example, has multiple locations across the map, so choose the nearest one to minimize travel time. Use the in-game map to plot a safe and efficient path. If you’re unsure where to go, the Trapper can be found in Saint Denis, near Riggs Station, or in the wilderness near Strawberry.\n\nFinally, consider using the Legendary Buck Trinket, which increases the chances of obtaining perfect pelts. While it doesn’t directly preserve pelts, it makes hunting more efficient and reduces the risk of downgrading pelts during the hunt. This trinket is crafted by selling the Legendary Buck pelt to the Trapper and purchasing it from a Fence.\n\nIn summary, preserving a perfect pelt requires careful hunting, proper storage, and cautious travel. Always use the right weapon, store the pelt on your horse, avoid risky activities, and plan your route to minimize travel time. By following these steps, you can ensure your perfect pelts remain intact and ready for crafting or selling.