What are the best weapons for hunting small animals?

Hunting small animals in Red Dead Online requires precision and the right tools to ensure you maximize your profits and maintain the quality of pelts and carcasses. Small animals, such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds, are delicate and require specific weapons to avoid damaging their pelts. The best weapons for hunting small animals are the Varmint Rifle, Bow with Small Game Arrows, and the Small Game Arrow variant for the Bow. Each of these weapons is designed to preserve the quality of small animal pelts, which is crucial for earning higher rewards from traders like Cripps at your Camp.\n\nThe Varmint Rifle is the most accessible and effective weapon for hunting small animals. It is available for purchase at any Gunsmith for $72 and uses .22 caliber ammunition, which is cheap and plentiful. The Varmint Rifle is ideal for animals like rabbits, raccoons, and beavers, as it ensures a clean kill without damaging the pelt. To use it effectively, aim for the head or heart of the animal to guarantee a one-shot kill. This weapon is particularly useful for new players due to its affordability and ease of use.\n\nFor players who prefer a more stealthy approach, the Bow with Small Game Arrows is an excellent choice. Small Game Arrows are crafted using regular arrows, flight feathers, and shotgun shells. These arrows are specifically designed for hunting small animals and birds, ensuring that the pelts remain in perfect condition. To craft Small Game Arrows, open your Satchel, go to the Crafting menu, and combine the required materials. The Bow is especially useful in areas with dense wildlife, such as the forests near Valentine or the swamps of Lemoyne, where you can hunt squirrels, songbirds, and other small creatures without alerting nearby predators.\n\nOne common challenge when hunting small animals is their size and speed, making them difficult to track and hit. To overcome this, use Dead Eye to slow down time and line up your shot accurately. Dead Eye is particularly helpful when hunting birds in flight or fast-moving animals like rabbits. Additionally, using the Eagle Eye ability (activated by pressing both thumbsticks) can help you track animals more easily by highlighting their scent trails and footprints.\n\nAnother tip is to hunt in areas with high concentrations of small animals. For example, the Heartlands near Valentine is a great spot for rabbits and birds, while the Bayou Nwa region is ideal for hunting frogs, small alligators, and herons. Always carry enough ammunition and crafting materials for Small Game Arrows, as running out mid-hunt can be frustrating. Lastly, store your pelts and carcasses on your horse or at a Hunting Wagon to avoid losing them if you die or disconnect from the session.\n\nIn summary, the Varmint Rifle and Bow with Small Game Arrows are the best weapons for hunting small animals in Red Dead Online. Use Dead Eye and Eagle Eye to improve your accuracy and tracking abilities, and focus on high-density hunting areas to maximize your efficiency. By following these tips, you can ensure that your pelts remain in perfect condition, allowing you to earn more money and progress faster in the game.