What’s the best way to earn money through hunting challenges?

Hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most profitable activities, especially when combined with hunting challenges. To maximize your earnings, you need to understand the game mechanics, such as animal spawn locations, weapon selection, and the importance of perfect pelts. Start by unlocking the Legendary Animal Map from Hosea during the mission ''Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego'' in Chapter 2. This map will guide you to high-value animals that yield rare pelts and materials.\n\nTo earn money efficiently, focus on hunting animals that provide perfect pelts, as these fetch the highest prices at butchers and trappers. Use the right weapon for each animal type to avoid damaging the pelt. For example, use a bow with small game arrows for small animals like squirrels, a varmint rifle for medium-sized animals like rabbits, and a rifle with express ammo for large animals like deer or bears. Always aim for headshots to ensure a clean kill.\n\nOne of the best hunting locations is the area around Big Valley, west of Strawberry. This region is rich in deer, elk, and bears, all of which provide valuable pelts and meat. Another excellent spot is the swamps near Saint Denis, where you can hunt alligators for their skins and teeth. Alligator skins are particularly lucrative, selling for $3.50 each at the trapper. Additionally, the Grizzlies East region is ideal for hunting bighorn sheep and wolves, which also yield high-quality pelts.\n\nTo maximize profits, consider completing the Master Hunter challenges. These challenges not only reward you with unique items but also improve your hunting skills, making it easier to earn money. For example, the first challenge requires you to skin three deer. Completing this unlocks the next challenge, which involves killing a rabbit with a bow. Each completed challenge increases your hunting efficiency and unlocks better rewards.\n\nA common challenge players face is finding specific animals for challenges or pelts. To overcome this, use bait to lure animals out of hiding. Herbivore bait works for deer and elk, while predator bait attracts wolves and cougars. Place the bait in areas where you’ve seen animal tracks or droppings, then hide nearby and wait for the animal to appear. Patience is key, as some animals may take time to spawn.\n\nFinally, always sell your pelts and materials to the trapper rather than the butcher. The trapper offers better prices and can craft unique clothing items from your pelts, which can later be sold for even more money. Additionally, consider upgrading your satchel at Pearson’s camp to carry more pelts and materials, allowing you to hunt longer without needing to return to town.\n\nIn summary, the best way to earn money through hunting challenges is to focus on high-value animals, use the correct weapons, and complete Master Hunter challenges. Hunt in resource-rich areas like Big Valley and the swamps near Saint Denis, and always aim for perfect pelts. With patience and practice, you can turn hunting into a highly profitable activity in Red Dead Redemption 2.