How do I use cover scent lotion to avoid detection?

Cover Scent Lotion is a valuable tool in Red Dead Redemption 2 for hunting legendary animals and other wildlife without being detected. This item masks your scent, making it harder for animals to sense your presence. To use it effectively, you need to understand its mechanics, how to apply it, and when to use it during hunts.\n\nFirst, you must acquire Cover Scent Lotion. It can be purchased from general stores or the Trapper for $8. Alternatively, you can craft it using one Creeping Thyme and one Oregano, both of which are common herbs found throughout the game world. Once you have the lotion, equip it from your satchel under the Kit section. Applying it will temporarily reduce your scent radius, making it harder for animals to detect you.\n\nTo use Cover Scent Lotion effectively, start by identifying the animal you want to hunt. Legendary animals, in particular, have heightened senses and will flee if they detect you. Before approaching, apply the lotion by opening your satchel, selecting it, and using it. This will give you a scent-free window of about 10 minutes, during which you can move closer to your target without alarming it.\n\nWhen hunting legendary animals, such as the Legendary Bear in the Grizzlies East region, combine Cover Scent Lotion with other stealth tactics. Move slowly, crouch, and avoid running or making loud noises. Use binoculars or a scoped rifle to study the animal from a distance before making your approach. This is especially important for legendary animals, as they often roam in areas with dense foliage or challenging terrain.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining stealth while tracking animals in windy conditions. Wind direction plays a crucial role in hunting. If the wind is blowing toward the animal, your scent will carry, even with Cover Scent Lotion. To counter this, check the wind direction by holding L2/LT and observing the white streaks on the mini-map. Position yourself so the wind is at your back or side, ensuring your scent doesn’t reach the animal.\n\nAnother tip is to use Cover Scent Lotion in conjunction with other hunting tools. For example, pair it with bait or calls to lure animals closer. Place bait in a strategic location, apply the lotion, and wait patiently. This method works well for skittish animals like deer or elk. For predators like cougars or wolves, use predator bait and stay hidden in bushes or behind rocks.\n\nFinally, remember that Cover Scent Lotion is not a guarantee of invisibility. Animals can still detect you visually or through sound. Always move cautiously, avoid sudden movements, and use the environment to your advantage. For example, when hunting the Legendary Moose near Brandywine Drop, use the dense trees and rocks as cover while applying the lotion.\n\nIn summary, Cover Scent Lotion is a powerful tool for hunters in Red Dead Redemption 2. Use it to mask your scent, combine it with stealth tactics, and pay attention to wind direction. By mastering these mechanics, you can successfully hunt legendary animals and other wildlife without being detected.