Where can I find the perfect raccoon pelts for the Raccoon Mountain Hat?

To craft the Raccoon Mountain Hat in Red Dead Redemption 2, you need to obtain perfect raccoon pelts. These pelts are essential for creating the hat at a trapper, and acquiring them requires careful preparation and execution. Raccoons are small, nocturnal animals, so hunting them can be tricky if you don’t know where to look or how to approach them. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including the best locations, tools, and strategies to ensure you get perfect pelts every time.\n\nFirst, you’ll need the right equipment. To obtain a perfect raccoon pelt, you must use a weapon that doesn’t damage the pelt. The Varmint Rifle is the ideal choice for hunting raccoons, as it’s designed for small game and ensures the pelt remains in pristine condition. If you don’t already own a Varmint Rifle, you can purchase one from any gunsmith for $72. Alternatively, you can use a Bow with Small Game Arrows, but this requires more precision and is less forgiving than the Varmint Rifle.\n\nNext, you’ll need to locate raccoons. Raccoons are most active at night, so plan your hunting trips during the evening or early morning hours. They are commonly found in wooded areas, particularly near water sources like rivers and lakes. One of the best locations to find raccoons is the area around Emerald Ranch in New Hanover. The forests and fields near the ranch are teeming with wildlife, including raccoons. Another reliable spot is Big Valley in West Elizabeth, where raccoons often roam near the creek. If you’re having trouble finding raccoons, use your Eagle Eye ability to track their scent trails.\n\nOnce you’ve located a raccoon, approach it carefully. Raccoons are skittish and will flee if they detect you. Crouch and move slowly to avoid spooking the animal. Use your binoculars or scope to study the raccoon and determine its quality. Only three-star raccoons will yield perfect pelts, so avoid wasting time on lower-quality animals. If the raccoon is three stars, take your shot with the Varmint Rifle, aiming for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill.\n\nAfter successfully hunting a 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 without securing them. If you’re hunting multiple raccoons, consider visiting the trapper periodically to sell your pelts and avoid losing them. The trapper can be found at various locations across the map, including near Saint Denis and in the Grizzlies.\n\nOne common challenge players face is finding three-star raccoons. If you’re struggling, try using bait to lure raccoons out of hiding. Herbivore bait works well for raccoons, as they are omnivores. Place the bait in a wooded area and wait nearby for raccoons to approach. Additionally, upgrading your Dead Eye ability can make it easier to identify high-quality animals from a distance.\n\nFinally, remember that patience is key. Hunting raccoons can take time, especially if you’re aiming for perfect pelts. Don’t rush the process—take your time to scout locations, track animals, and make clean kills. With the right tools, strategy, and persistence, you’ll have the perfect raccoon pelts needed to craft the Raccoon Mountain Hat in no time.\n\nPractical Tip: Always save your game before heading out on a hunting trip. This ensures that if something goes wrong—like losing a pelt or encountering hostile NPCs—you can reload and try again without losing progress.