How do you avoid losing a legendary animal carcass after a hunt?

Hunting legendary animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a thrilling but challenging task, and losing a carcass after a successful hunt can be frustrating. To avoid this, you need to understand the game mechanics and take specific precautions. Legendary animals are unique, and their pelts and carcasses are highly valuable, so losing them can mean missing out on crafting rare items at the Trapper or Fence.\n\nFirst, always ensure you have a clear plan before engaging a legendary animal. These creatures are tougher than regular animals and often require multiple shots to take down. Use high-quality weapons like the Rolling Block Rifle or Bolt Action Rifle with Express or High-Velocity ammo for maximum damage. Aim for headshots to minimize damage to the pelt. Once the animal is down, skin it immediately to secure the legendary pelt. Unlike regular pelts, legendary pelts cannot be lost permanently, but they can still be inconvenient to retrieve if dropped.\n\nAfter skinning, store the pelt on your horse. If you don’t have a horse nearby, call it using the whistle or retrieve it from a stable. Legendary pelts are automatically sent to the Trapper if lost, but this can delay your ability to craft items. To avoid losing the pelt, avoid fast travel or risky activities like engaging in gunfights or riding through dangerous terrain. If you die or the pelt falls off your horse, it will still be available at the Trapper, but it’s better to deliver it yourself for immediate access.\n\nAnother common issue is losing the carcass of a legendary animal that cannot be skinned, such as the Legendary Moose or Legendary Alligator. For these animals, you must transport the entire carcass to the Trapper. Use a hunting wagon if available, or carefully drag the carcass with your lasso to avoid damaging it. Be cautious of predators or hostile NPCs during transport, as they can disrupt your progress. If you’re in a remote area, consider clearing the path of threats before moving the carcass.\n\nGame mechanics also play a role in preventing loss. Legendary animals are marked on your map with a crown icon, and their pelts are automatically tracked. If you lose a pelt, visit the Trapper to retrieve it. However, this doesn’t apply to carcasses, so prioritize delivering them directly. Additionally, always save your game before hunting a legendary animal. If something goes wrong, you can reload your save and try again without losing progress.\n\nPractical examples include hunting the Legendary Bear in the Grizzlies East region. After taking it down, skin it and store the pelt on your horse. Avoid fast travel or risky paths back to the Trapper. For the Legendary Alligator in the Bayou Nwa, use a boat or carefully drag the carcass to avoid losing it in the swamp. These strategies ensure you maximize your rewards and minimize frustration.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing a legendary animal carcass, always skin the animal immediately, store the pelt on your horse, and avoid risky activities during transport. Use high-quality weapons, plan your route, and save your game before hunting. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful hunt and make the most of your legendary animal rewards.