What are the best weapons for hunting large animals in RDR2?

Hunting large animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires the right weapons to ensure clean kills and preserve the quality of pelts and carcasses. The game mechanics emphasize using appropriate firearms or tools for different animal sizes, and using the wrong weapon can damage the animal''s quality. For large animals like bears, elk, moose, and bison, you need high-powered rifles or bows with specific ammunition.\n\nFor the best results, use a **Rolling Block Rifle** or a **Carcano Rifle**. These are bolt-action rifles with high damage and accuracy, making them ideal for taking down large animals in one or two shots. The Rolling Block Rifle is unlocked early in Chapter 2 during the mission ''The Sheep and the Goats,'' while the Carcano Rifle becomes available later in the story. Both rifles use **Rifle Ammo**, but for a clean kill, you should use **High-Velocity Ammo** or **Express Ammo** to maximize damage and ensure the animal doesn''t flee.\n\nAnother excellent option is the **Bow with Improved Arrows**. The bow is versatile and silent, making it perfect for hunting in areas where you don''t want to alert other animals or enemies. Improved Arrows are crafted using regular arrows, flight feathers, and animal fat, which can be obtained from ducks, geese, or boars. These arrows deal significant damage to large animals and are particularly useful for hunting in dense forests or near water bodies where rifles might be less effective.\n\nWhen hunting large animals, always aim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill. This preserves the animal''s pelt quality, which is crucial for crafting and selling. For example, when hunting a grizzly bear in the Grizzlies East region, approach cautiously, use Dead Eye to mark the head, and fire a single shot with a Rolling Block Rifle. This will drop the bear instantly and yield a perfect pelt.\n\nOne common challenge is tracking large animals, especially in dense forests or mountainous areas. Use Eagle Eye to highlight animal tracks and follow them patiently. Large animals like moose and bison are often found in specific locations, such as the plains near Emerald Ranch or the snowy areas of Ambarino. For bison, head to the Heartlands near the Heartland Overflow, and for moose, check the northern regions like Lake Isabella or the area around Brandywine Drop.\n\nFinally, always carry the right tools for skinning and transporting your kills. A **Hunting Knife** is essential for skinning, and a **Horse with a Saddle** allows you to carry large pelts and carcasses. If you''re hunting in remote areas, consider using a **Wagon** to transport multiple large pelts at once. This is especially useful when hunting bison herds or multiple elk.\n\nIn summary, the best weapons for hunting large animals in RDR2 are the Rolling Block Rifle, Carcano Rifle, and Bow with Improved Arrows. Use high-damage ammo, aim for vital spots, and track animals carefully to ensure clean kills and high-quality pelts. With these tips, you''ll master hunting large animals and maximize your rewards in the game.