What’s the best way to hunt ducks for feathers and meat?

Hunting ducks in Red Dead Redemption 2 is an excellent way to gather feathers and meat, which are valuable for crafting, cooking, and trading. Ducks are commonly found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. To maximize your efficiency, you’ll need the right tools, knowledge of duck behavior, and an understanding of the game’s hunting mechanics.\n\nFirst, equip yourself with a Varmint Rifle, the ideal weapon for hunting ducks. The Varmint Rifle ensures a clean kill without damaging the carcass, which is crucial for preserving the quality of the meat and feathers. You can purchase this rifle from any gunsmith in the game. Additionally, consider using Dead Eye to improve your accuracy, especially when targeting multiple ducks in a flock.\n\nDucks are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so plan your hunting trips around these times. Head to locations like the Dakota River near Valentine, Flat Iron Lake, or the Kamassa River in Lemoyne. These areas are teeming with ducks and other waterfowl. Use your binoculars or Eagle Eye ability to spot ducks from a distance. Eagle Eye highlights animals in red, making them easier to track.\n\nWhen approaching ducks, move slowly and crouch to avoid spooking them. Ducks are easily startled and will fly away if you get too close or make sudden movements. If you’re hunting from the shore, consider using cover like tall grass or rocks to stay hidden. Alternatively, you can use a canoe or boat to get closer to ducks on the water, but be cautious of your movements to avoid capsizing.\n\nOnce you’ve lined up your shot, aim for the head or neck to ensure a clean kill. Using Dead Eye can help you target multiple ducks in a single volley, which is especially useful when hunting flocks. After downing a duck, quickly retrieve the carcass to prevent it from sinking in water or being stolen by predators. Use your knife to pluck the feathers and skin the duck for meat.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with ducks that fly away before you can get a shot. To address this, use bait like Herbivore Bait to lure ducks closer to your position. Place the bait near the water’s edge and wait for ducks to approach. Another tip is to use a bow with Small Game Arrows if you want a quieter approach, though this requires more precision.\n\nFor players looking to maximize their haul, consider hunting during clear weather, as ducks are more active and easier to spot. Additionally, upgrading your satchel at a Fence will allow you to carry more feathers and meat, making your hunting trips more productive. The Legend of the East Satchel, for example, lets you carry up to 99 of each item.\n\nFinally, always check the quality of the ducks you hunt. Three-star ducks yield the best materials, so aim for clean kills to maintain their quality. If you accidentally damage the carcass, you can still collect feathers, but the meat will be of lower quality. Practice your shooting skills and patience to become a master duck hunter in Red Dead Redemption 2.