How do I unlock the Buck Antler Trinket in RDR2?
The Buck Antler Trinket is one of the most valuable trinkets in Red Dead Redemption 2, as it improves the quality of pelts and animal parts you collect while hunting. This is particularly useful for crafting upgrades at Pearson’s camp or selling high-quality pelts to trappers. To unlock the Buck Antler Trinket, you must complete a specific set of steps involving hunting, crafting, and visiting a Fence.\n\nFirst, you need to hunt and kill a perfect Buck. Bucks are commonly found in forested areas, particularly in the regions of Big Valley, Cumberland Forest, and the area around Strawberry. Use a rifle with a scope, such as the Springfield Rifle or Bolt Action Rifle, to ensure a clean kill. Aim for the head or neck to preserve the pelt’s quality. If you don’t have a rifle, a bow with Improved Arrows can also work, but rifles are more reliable for perfect pelts.\n\nOnce you’ve obtained a perfect Buck pelt, you’ll need to collect a Buck Antler. This is a guaranteed drop when you skin the Buck, so you don’t need to worry about RNG. However, make sure you have space in your satchel to carry the antler. If your inventory is full, discard or sell unnecessary items before skinning the Buck.\n\nNext, you’ll need to acquire a Legendary Buck pelt. The Legendary Buck is located in the western part of the map, near the area of Big Valley, just north of Owanjila Lake. Use your Eagle Eye ability to track the Legendary Buck’s clues, which include fur, droppings, and broken branches. Follow the trail carefully, as the Legendary Buck is skittish and will flee if it detects you. Use a long-range weapon like a rifle or bow to take it down with a single shot to the head.\n\nAfter skinning the Legendary Buck, you’ll receive the Legendary Buck pelt and the Legendary Buck Antler. These items are required to craft the Buck Antler Trinket. However, you cannot craft the trinket yourself. Instead, you must visit a Fence, a special vendor who deals in stolen goods and crafting. Fences can be found in Rhodes, Saint Denis, and Emerald Ranch. Once you’ve located a Fence, interact with them and select the Trinkets and Talismans menu.\n\nAt the Fence, you’ll see the Buck Antler Trinket recipe, which requires the Legendary Buck Antler and one perfect Buck pelt. If you’ve collected these items, the trinket will be available for crafting. The cost is minimal, usually around $20-$30, depending on your honor level. Once crafted, the Buck Antler Trinket is automatically added to your inventory, and its effects are permanently active.\n\nThe Buck Antler Trinket increases the chances of obtaining higher-quality pelts and animal parts. For example, if you shoot a deer and the pelt would normally be of good quality, the trinket may upgrade it to perfect quality. This is especially useful for hunting rare animals or completing challenges that require perfect pelts. Additionally, the trinket’s effects stack with other hunting-related perks, such as the Legendary Buck’s improved pelt quality.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating the Legendary Buck. If you’re having trouble finding it, make sure to explore during clear weather and avoid areas with heavy predator activity. Use your binoculars to scan the terrain from a distance, and approach slowly to avoid spooking the animal. If the Legendary Buck flees, don’t chase it immediately. Instead, wait a few in-game days and return to the area to try again.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Buck Antler Trinket requires hunting a perfect Buck, tracking and killing the Legendary Buck, and visiting a Fence to craft the trinket. This process enhances your hunting efficiency and is essential for players looking to maximize their crafting and trading potential in Red Dead Redemption 2.