How do I use scent cover to get closer to animals?

Using scent cover in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a crucial mechanic for hunting animals effectively, especially when aiming for perfect pelts. Animals in the game have a keen sense of smell, and if you approach them without masking your scent, they will detect you and flee. To avoid this, you need to use scent cover lotion, which can be crafted or purchased. This guide will explain how to use scent cover, where to find it, and how to maximize its effectiveness during hunts.\n\nFirst, you need to obtain scent cover lotion. You can purchase it from general stores or the trapper for around $5. Alternatively, you can craft it yourself using the recipe unlocked in the crafting menu. To craft scent cover, you need one Creeping Thyme and one Common Bulrush. Creeping Thyme can be found in grassy areas, particularly in the Heartlands and Big Valley, while Common Bulrush grows near water sources like rivers and lakes. Once you have the ingredients, open your satchel, go to the crafting menu, and create the lotion.\n\nOnce you have the scent cover lotion, apply it before approaching animals. Open your satchel, navigate to the kit section, and select the lotion to use it. This will mask your scent for a limited time, allowing you to get closer to animals without being detected. Keep in mind that scent cover does not make you invisible; you still need to move quietly and use cover to avoid being seen or heard. Crouch while moving and avoid stepping on twigs or dry leaves, as these noises can alert animals.\n\nTo maximize the effectiveness of scent cover, combine it with other hunting strategies. For example, use binoculars or a scoped rifle to study animals from a distance. This will help you identify their quality (poor, good, or perfect) and plan your approach. When hunting larger animals like deer or elk, aim for a clean kill shot to the head or heart using the appropriate weapon. For smaller animals like rabbits or raccoons, use a varmint rifle or small game arrows to avoid damaging the pelt.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of scent cover lotion during a hunt. To avoid this, always carry extra ingredients or purchase multiple bottles from the store. Additionally, plan your hunts in areas with abundant wildlife, such as the forests near Valentine or the plains of West Elizabeth. These locations are ideal for finding animals like deer, elk, and bears, which are valuable for their pelts.\n\nAnother tip is to use the wind direction to your advantage. Animals can detect your scent if you are upwind, even with scent cover applied. Check the wind direction by observing the movement of grass or using the hunter’s sense (activated by pressing the right stick). Position yourself downwind of your target to minimize the risk of detection. This is especially important when hunting skittish animals like foxes or cougars.\n\nFinally, remember that scent cover is just one tool in your hunting arsenal. Combine it with stealth, patience, and the right weapons to consistently obtain perfect pelts. For example, when hunting in the snowy Grizzlies region, use scent cover to approach bighorn sheep or wolves without alerting them. In the swamps of Lemoyne, it can help you get closer to alligators or panthers, which are notoriously difficult to hunt.\n\nIn summary, scent cover lotion is an essential item for hunters in Red Dead Redemption 2. By crafting or purchasing it, applying it before hunts, and combining it with stealth and wind direction, you can significantly improve your chances of getting closer to animals and securing perfect pelts. Always carry extra lotion, plan your hunts carefully, and use the right weapons for each animal to ensure success.