How do I avoid bounty hunters during story missions?

Avoiding bounty hunters during story missions in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a mix of stealth, strategy, and understanding of the game''s mechanics. Bounty hunters are triggered when you commit crimes, such as robbery, murder, or assault, and your bounty level increases in a specific region. During story missions, these hunters can complicate your objectives, so it''s essential to minimize your bounty or avoid detection altogether.\n\nFirst, always check your bounty status before starting a mission. Open the map and look at the top-right corner to see if you have an active bounty in the region where the mission takes place. If you do, consider paying it off at a post office or train station. This will reset your bounty to zero and prevent bounty hunters from spawning during the mission. If you lack the funds, focus on earning money through side activities like hunting, fishing, or treasure hunts.\n\nDuring missions, avoid unnecessary violence or illegal actions. For example, in missions like ''Blessed Are the Meek?'' in Valentine, you may be tempted to rob or attack NPCs, but doing so will increase your bounty. Instead, follow the mission objectives carefully and only engage in combat when required. Use stealth mechanics, such as crouching and using cover, to avoid drawing attention. If you must fight, use non-lethal methods like fists or the lasso to subdue enemies without killing them.\n\nAnother key strategy is to wear a bandana or mask during missions that involve criminal activity. While this won''t completely prevent a bounty, it will delay lawmen and bounty hunters from identifying you. However, note that wearing a mask doesn''t work if witnesses see you commit a crime and then report it to the authorities. To mitigate this, eliminate witnesses quickly or intimidate them into silence. Be cautious, as killing witnesses can also increase your bounty.\n\nIf bounty hunters do appear during a mission, prioritize escaping rather than fighting. Use your horse to create distance and break their line of sight. Head to areas with dense foliage, such as the forests near Valentine or the swamps of Lemoyne, to lose pursuers. Alternatively, use water bodies like rivers or lakes to swim away, as bounty hunters rarely follow you into deep water. If escape isn''t an option, use Dead Eye to take out their horses first, slowing them down and giving you time to regroup.\n\nFinally, consider your loadout before starting a mission. Equip weapons like the bow or throwing knives for silent takedowns, and carry health tonics and horse stimulants to ensure you can survive prolonged chases. Familiarize yourself with the mission area and plan escape routes in advance. For example, in missions like ''The First Shall Be Last'' near Blackwater, knowing the terrain can help you evade bounty hunters more effectively.\n\nIn summary, avoiding bounty hunters during story missions involves managing your bounty, using stealth, and planning ahead. Pay off bounties when possible, avoid unnecessary crimes, and use the environment to your advantage. By following these strategies, you can focus on completing missions without the added pressure of bounty hunters.\n\nPractical Tip: Always carry a few dollars to pay off small bounties, and invest in a fast horse like the Arabian or Turkoman for quick escapes. Additionally, save your game before starting a mission to reload if things go wrong.