What’s the best way to hunt predators like cougars?

Hunting predators like cougars in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires preparation, strategy, and knowledge of their behavior. Cougars are among the most dangerous animals in the game, capable of killing Arthur Morgan in a single attack if you’re not careful. To successfully hunt them, you’ll need the right weapons, a solid plan, and an understanding of their spawn locations.\n\nFirst, equip yourself with a powerful rifle or bow. The Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle are excellent choices for long-range shots, while the Bow with Improved Arrows is ideal for stealthy kills. Always carry a backup weapon like a shotgun or revolver in case the cougar gets too close. Additionally, stock up on health tonics and Dead Eye tonics to ensure you can survive an unexpected attack.\n\nCougars are most commonly found in specific regions of the map. The best locations to hunt them are near Roanoke Ridge, north of Annesburg, and west of the Van Horn Trading Post. They also spawn in the Tall Trees region of West Elizabeth and near the Trapper’s location in Big Valley. These areas are dense with forests and rocky terrain, which cougars use to ambush their prey. Use your Eagle Eye ability to track their movements and look for fresh tracks or carcasses, which indicate a cougar is nearby.\n\nWhen hunting cougars, always stay on horseback. Horses can sense predators before you do, and they will become agitated when a cougar is nearby. This gives you a warning to prepare for an attack. Keep your horse calm by patting it and avoid galloping too fast, as this can make it harder to react to sudden threats. If your horse bucks you off, immediately aim your weapon and enter Dead Eye to target the cougar’s head for a clean kill.\n\nOne of the biggest challenges when hunting cougars is their speed and aggression. They often charge at you without warning, leaving little time to react. To counter this, use Dead Eye to slow down time and aim for their head or heart. A well-placed shot will kill them instantly and preserve the quality of their pelt. If you miss, quickly switch to a shotgun or revolver to finish the job before they reach you.\n\nAfter killing a cougar, skin it immediately to collect its pelt and other materials. Cougar pelts are highly valuable and can be sold to the Trapper or used for crafting. Make sure to store the pelt on your horse to avoid losing it if you die or fast travel. If you’re hunting for a perfect pelt, use the right weapon and aim for a clean kill to avoid damaging the pelt’s quality.\n\nFinally, be patient and persistent. Cougars are rare and may not spawn every time you visit their habitat. If you don’t find one, leave the area and return later. Use this time to hunt other animals or complete nearby missions. With practice and preparation, you’ll become an expert cougar hunter in no time.\n\nPractical tips: Always save your game before hunting cougars in case of an unexpected death. Use cover scent lotion to mask your scent and avoid spooking the cougar. If you’re struggling to find cougars, try setting up camp nearby and sleeping until morning, as they are more active during the day. Lastly, consider upgrading your satchel to carry more pelts and materials, as cougar parts are valuable for crafting.