Where can I find the best hunting spots in Red Dead Online?

Hunting is one of the most profitable and enjoyable activities in Red Dead Online, providing players with valuable resources like pelts, meat, and animal parts for crafting and trading. To maximize your hunting success, you need to know the best locations, understand game mechanics, and prepare properly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a skilled hunter in Red Dead Online.\n\nFirst, it’s important to understand the hunting mechanics. Animals in Red Dead Online are categorized by size and quality. Smaller animals like rabbits and birds can be carried in your satchel, while larger animals like deer and bears require you to stow them on your horse. The quality of the animal (poor, good, or perfect) depends on the condition of the carcass, which is determined by the weapon you use and where you hit the animal. For example, using a rifle with a headshot on a deer will yield a perfect pelt, while using a shotgun may damage the pelt.\n\nOne of the best hunting spots in the game is the Great Plains, located west of Blackwater. This area is teeming with deer, pronghorns, bison, and even cougars. The open terrain makes it easy to spot animals from a distance, and the lack of dense foliage allows for clean shots. Another excellent location is Big Valley, northwest of Strawberry. This area is rich in elk, wolves, and bears, and the lush environment provides ample cover for stalking prey. For smaller game, the forests around Rhodes and the swamps of Lemoyne are ideal, as they are home to boars, alligators, and a variety of birds.\n\nTo prepare for hunting, ensure you have the right tools. A bolt-action rifle or a bow is essential for taking down larger animals without damaging their pelts. For smaller animals, a varmint rifle is your best option. Additionally, carry plenty of ammo and consider purchasing the Hunting Wagon from the Trader role to store multiple carcasses. The wagon is especially useful for long hunting trips, as it allows you to transport more goods without returning to camp frequently.\n\nWhen hunting, always approach animals cautiously. Use Eagle Eye to track their movements and identify their quality. Crouch to reduce noise and stay downwind to avoid alerting your prey. For larger animals, aim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill. If you’re hunting in a group, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and take down multiple targets efficiently.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with predators like wolves and cougars. These animals are aggressive and can quickly overwhelm you if you’re unprepared. Always keep your weapon ready when entering predator-heavy areas, and consider using Dead Eye to land precise shots. If you’re attacked, try to create distance and aim for the head to neutralize the threat quickly.\n\nFinally, make the most of your hunting trips by selling your goods to the right buyers. The Trader role allows you to turn pelts and carcasses into valuable goods at your camp, while the Butcher in towns like Valentine and Saint Denis will pay cash for your haul. Always prioritize perfect pelts and carcasses, as they fetch the highest prices.\n\nIn summary, the best hunting spots in Red Dead Online are the Great Plains, Big Valley, and the forests around Rhodes. Equip yourself with the right weapons, use stealth and precision, and sell your goods strategically to maximize your profits. With practice and preparation, you’ll become a master hunter in no time.