What’s the best way to hunt small animals for perfect pelts?

Hunting small animals for perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of the right tools, knowledge of animal behavior, and careful execution. Small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons are abundant in the game, but obtaining their perfect pelts can be tricky if you don’t follow the correct steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you succeed.\n\nFirst, you need the right weapon. For small animals, the Varmint Rifle is the best choice. This weapon is designed to kill small game without damaging the pelt. You can purchase the Varmint Rifle from any gunsmith for $72. Alternatively, you can find it during certain missions or as part of the game’s progression. Using a bow with Small Game Arrows is another effective option, but crafting these arrows requires Flight Feathers and regular arrows, which can be time-consuming.\n\nNext, you need to identify the animal’s quality. Each animal in the game has a star rating (1 to 3 stars) that determines the quality of its pelt. A 3-star animal will yield a perfect pelt, while lower ratings result in poor or good pelts. To check the quality, use your binoculars or aim your weapon at the animal. The game will display the star rating above the animal’s head. Focus on hunting 3-star animals to maximize your chances of getting perfect pelts.\n\nOnce you’ve identified a 3-star animal, approach it carefully. Small animals are easily spooked, so crouch and move slowly to avoid alerting them. Use Dead Eye to target the animal’s vital areas, such as the head or heart, for a clean kill. A clean kill ensures the pelt remains in perfect condition. If you miss or hit a non-vital area, the animal’s pelt quality will drop.\n\nSome small animals, like squirrels and chipmunks, are extremely small and require even more precision. For these, the Small Game Arrows are essential. Aim for the head to ensure a clean kill. If you’re struggling to hit such small targets, practice your aim in less pressured situations or use Dead Eye to slow down time and improve accuracy.\n\nCommon challenges include animals fleeing or being killed by predators before you can hunt them. To avoid this, hunt during the early morning or late evening when animals are more active but less likely to be disturbed. Additionally, avoid areas with heavy predator activity, such as near wolf or cougar territories. If you’re hunting in a forested area, listen for animal calls to locate your target without wasting time searching.\n\nSpecific locations are ideal for hunting small animals. The forests around Valentine and the Heartlands are great for rabbits and squirrels. The area near Rhodes is excellent for raccoons and opossums. For birds like quails and pheasants, head to the open fields of New Hanover or Lemoyne. These areas are rich in small game and provide ample opportunities for perfect pelts.\n\nFinally, store your pelts properly. After skinning the animal, place the pelt on your horse. If you die or fast travel, pelts stored on your horse will remain intact. However, pelts left on the ground or carried by Arthur will be lost. To maximize efficiency, hunt multiple animals in one trip and store their pelts before returning to a trapper or camp.\n\nIn summary, use the Varmint Rifle or Small Game Arrows, target 3-star animals, aim for clean kills, and hunt in optimal locations. With patience and practice, you’ll master the art of hunting small animals for perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2.