What’s the best way to hunt perfect raccoon pelts for crafting trinkets?

Hunting perfect raccoon pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategy, patience, and the right tools. Raccoons are small animals found in various regions of the map, and their pelts are essential for crafting trinkets like the Raccoon Hat or other valuable items. To ensure you get a perfect pelt, you need to understand the game''s hunting mechanics, including animal quality, weapon choice, and tracking techniques.\n\nFirst, you must identify raccoons in the wild. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. They can be found in forested areas, near water sources, or in grassy plains. Some of the best locations to hunt raccoons include the forests around Rhodes, the area near Emerald Ranch, and the outskirts of Saint Denis. Use your Eagle Eye ability (L3 + R3 on PlayStation or LS + RS on Xbox) to track their trails, which appear as glowing golden paths.\n\nOnce you locate a raccoon, assess its quality. Animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 are rated as poor, good, or perfect. Only perfect pelts are suitable for crafting high-quality items. To determine the quality, aim at the raccoon with your weapon and study it (press R1/RB). If it’s a three-star raccoon, it will yield a perfect pelt. If it’s one or two stars, you’ll need to find another raccoon.\n\nTo ensure a clean kill, use the right weapon. For small animals like raccoons, the Varmint Rifle is the best choice. It’s designed to kill small game without damaging the pelt. Avoid using shotguns, bows with regular arrows, or high-powered rifles, as these can ruin the pelt. Aim for the head or heart to achieve a one-shot kill. If you miss or injure the raccoon, it will flee, and you’ll need to track it again.\n\nTracking raccoons can be challenging, especially in dense forests or at night. Use your binoculars to scout the area from a distance, and crouch to move quietly. Raccoons are skittish and will run if they detect you. If you lose sight of a raccoon, use Eagle Eye to follow its trail. Be patient and avoid rushing, as this can scare the animal away.\n\nAfter successfully hunting a perfect raccoon, skin it immediately to collect the pelt. Store the pelt on your horse, but be cautious—pelts can be lost if your horse dies or if you fast travel. To avoid losing your hard-earned pelts, visit a Trapper or Camp to craft your desired items as soon as possible.\n\nFor players struggling to find raccoons, consider using bait. Herbivore bait can attract raccoons to a specific location, making them easier to hunt. Place the bait in a secluded area and wait nearby. This method is particularly useful if you’re having trouble locating raccoons in the wild.\n\nFinally, remember that weather and time of day affect animal behavior. Raccoons are more active during clear nights, so plan your hunts accordingly. If it’s raining or foggy, raccoons may be harder to spot. Use your campfire to pass time until nightfall if needed.\n\nIn summary, hunting perfect raccoon pelts requires careful planning, the right tools, and patience. Focus on three-star raccoons, use a Varmint Rifle for clean kills, and hunt in optimal locations like Rhodes or Emerald Ranch. With these tips, you’ll be able to craft valuable trinkets and enhance your gameplay experience in Red Dead Redemption 2.