What’s the best way to hunt for perfect pelts for crafting upgrades?

Hunting for perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 is essential for crafting upgrades at the Trapper and Pearson’s camp upgrades. To ensure you get the best quality pelts, you need to understand the game’s hunting mechanics and follow specific steps. First, always use the right weapon for the animal you’re hunting. Smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels require a Varmint Rifle, while larger animals like deer and elk need a rifle with high stopping power, such as the Springfield or Bolt Action Rifle. For predators like wolves or cougars, a rifle or bow with improved arrows is ideal. Using the wrong weapon can damage the pelt, reducing its quality.\n\nNext, study the animal before engaging. Use your binoculars or aim your weapon to study the animal and check its quality. Animals are rated as Poor, Good, or Perfect. Only Perfect animals will yield perfect pelts. Look for three-star animals, as these are the ones that will give you the best results. If you encounter a one or two-star animal, it’s better to leave it alone and search for a three-star one. This ensures you don’t waste time and resources on lower-quality pelts.\n\nOnce you’ve identified a three-star animal, aim for a clean kill. Headshots are the most effective way to preserve the pelt’s quality. For larger animals, aim for the head or heart. For smaller animals, a single shot with the Varmint Rifle is usually sufficient. Avoid using explosives or shotguns, as these will ruin the pelt. If you’re hunting with a bow, use regular arrows for medium-sized animals and improved arrows for larger or tougher animals. This precision ensures the pelt remains in perfect condition.\n\nLocation is also crucial for finding specific animals. For example, deer and elk are commonly found in the Heartlands and Big Valley, while cougars and panthers are more likely to appear in Roanoke Ridge and the forests near Lagras. Smaller animals like rabbits and raccoons are abundant in most grassy areas. Use your map and animal icons to track their habitats. If you’re struggling to find a specific animal, try setting up camp nearby and sleeping until the next day. This resets the spawns and increases your chances of encountering the animal you need.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with predators while hunting. Wolves, cougars, and bears can attack you unexpectedly, ruining your hunt. Always carry a powerful weapon like a rifle or shotgun for self-defense. If you’re hunting in predator-heavy areas, stay on your horse and keep an eye on your surroundings. Your horse will often warn you of nearby danger, giving you time to prepare. Additionally, using cover scent lotion can help you avoid detection by predators and prey alike, making your hunt smoother.\n\nFinally, store your pelts properly. Perfect pelts are valuable, and losing them can be frustrating. If you’re far from a Trapper or camp, store the pelt on your horse. Larger pelts, like those from bears or elk, can only be carried on the back of your horse, so prioritize these. Smaller pelts can be stored in your satchel. If your horse dies or you lose the pelt, it will disappear, so always be cautious. Fast travel to the nearest Trapper or camp to secure your pelts as soon as possible.\n\nIn summary, hunting for perfect pelts requires the right weapon, careful aim, and knowledge of animal locations. Study animals before engaging, aim for clean kills, and store pelts safely. With these tips, you’ll be able to gather perfect pelts efficiently and craft the upgrades you need.