How do I efficiently hunt for Pearson’s camp upgrades early in the game?

Hunting for Pearson’s camp upgrades early in Red Dead Redemption 2 can significantly improve your camp’s morale and functionality. Pearson, the camp’s cook, requires specific animal pelts and carcasses to craft upgrades like satchels, decorations, and other useful items. To efficiently gather these materials, you’ll need to understand the game’s hunting mechanics, prioritize certain animals, and know where to find them.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools for hunting. A Varmint Rifle is essential for small animals like rabbits and raccoons, while a Bow with Improved Arrows or a Rifle is better for larger game like deer and elk. Always aim for headshots to preserve the quality of the pelt. A damaged pelt won’t meet Pearson’s requirements, so precision is key. Additionally, carry a Horse with a good saddle to store larger carcasses and pelts.\n\nStart by focusing on animals that are easy to find and provide valuable materials. Deer and bucks are abundant in areas like Big Valley, Heartlands, and Cumberland Forest. These animals yield perfect pelts, which are required for many upgrades. Use your binoculars or Eagle Eye to study the animal and confirm its quality before hunting. A three-star animal will yield a perfect pelt if killed cleanly.\n\nFor smaller animals like rabbits, raccoons, and beavers, head to areas like the forests near Valentine or the riversides in Lemoyne. Beavers, in particular, are found near water sources like the Kamassa River. These animals are skittish, so approach slowly and use the Varmint Rifle for a clean kill. Beavers are especially important for crafting the Legend of the East Satchel, which allows you to carry more items.\n\nOne common challenge is finding perfect pelts for rare animals like cougars or panthers. These predators are dangerous and require careful preparation. For cougars, head to the forests near Annesburg or the western edge of Big Valley. Panthers are found in the dense woods south of Braithwaite Manor in Lemoyne. Use a Rifle with High-Velocity Ammo and Dead Eye to take them down quickly. Always save your game before engaging these predators, as they can kill you in one hit.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, plan your hunting trips around other missions. For example, while traveling to Valentine or Rhodes, take detours through hunting-rich areas to gather materials. Use your Horse’s cargo space wisely—store large pelts on the back and smaller pelts or carcasses on the sides. If you’re hunting multiple animals, consider using a temporary Horse to carry extra items.\n\nFinally, remember that some upgrades require specific items beyond pelts. For example, Pearson needs feathers from birds like herons and spoonbills for certain decorations. These birds are commonly found in the swamps of Bayou Nwa. Use the Varmint Rifle to hunt them without damaging their feathers. Always check Pearson’s ledger in the camp to see what materials are needed for each upgrade.\n\nIn summary, efficient hunting for Pearson’s upgrades involves using the right weapons, targeting high-quality animals, and planning your routes. Focus on areas with abundant game, prioritize clean kills, and manage your inventory effectively. With these strategies, you’ll quickly gather the materials needed to improve your camp and enhance your gameplay experience.