How do you avoid losing a Legendary Animal pelt after hunting?

Hunting Legendary Animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most rewarding yet challenging activities in the game. These rare creatures provide unique pelts and materials for crafting exclusive gear, but losing a Legendary Animal pelt can be frustrating. To avoid this, you need to understand the game mechanics and follow specific steps to ensure your hard-earned pelt is safely stored.\n\nFirst, always prepare before hunting a Legendary Animal. Equip yourself with the right weapons, such as a rifle or bow with improved arrows, to ensure a clean kill. Legendary Animals require precision, so aim for headshots to avoid damaging the pelt. Additionally, stock up on health tonics, stamina tonics, and predator bait to handle any unexpected encounters. The game autosaves when you enter a Legendary Animal''s territory, so make sure to manually save your game before engaging in the hunt as a backup.\n\nOnce you’ve successfully hunted the Legendary Animal, skin it immediately. Skinning is crucial because it ensures the pelt is added to your inventory. If you don’t skin the animal, the pelt will be lost. After skinning, the pelt is automatically stored on your horse. However, if your horse dies or you lose the pelt due to an accident, the game will send the pelt to the Trapper automatically. This is a failsafe mechanic, but it’s better to avoid relying on it by keeping your horse safe.\n\nTo prevent losing the pelt, avoid dangerous situations after the hunt. For example, don’t engage in unnecessary fights or ride through areas with high enemy activity. If you’re ambushed by bandits or predators, prioritize protecting your horse and the pelt. Fast travel is also risky, as it can sometimes cause glitches or result in losing items. Instead, ride directly to the Trapper or your camp to store the pelt safely.\n\nIf you’re hunting in a remote area, such as the snowy mountains for the Legendary Bharati Grizzly Bear or the swamps for the Legendary Alligator, plan your route carefully. These areas are filled with environmental hazards like cliffs, deep water, or aggressive wildlife. For example, when hunting the Legendary Alligator in Bayou Nwa, stay on solid ground to avoid losing the pelt in the water. Similarly, when hunting in the mountains, avoid steep drops that could injure your horse.\n\nAnother common challenge is managing your inventory. Legendary pelts are large and take up space on your horse. If you’re carrying multiple pelts or carcasses, prioritize the Legendary pelt by discarding less valuable items. You can also use a second horse as a backup to carry additional pelts, but make sure it’s tamed and follows you closely.\n\nFinally, always check your map for the nearest Trapper or Fence location. The Trapper can craft unique clothing and gear from Legendary pelts, while the Fence can create trinkets and talismans. If you’re unsure where to go, open your map and look for the paw print icon, which indicates the Trapper’s location. For example, the Trapper near Saint Denis is a convenient spot for storing pelts after hunting in the Bayou.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing a Legendary Animal pelt, prepare thoroughly, skin the animal immediately, protect your horse, and avoid dangerous situations. Use the game’s autosave and manual save features as backups, and always prioritize delivering the pelt to the Trapper or Fence. By following these steps, you can ensure your Legendary pelts are safely stored and ready for crafting.