What is the best way to use cover scent lotion for hunting?

Cover scent lotion is a crucial tool for hunting legendary animals and other elusive prey in Red Dead Redemption 2. It masks your scent, making it harder for animals to detect you, especially when you''re downwind. This is particularly important when hunting legendary animals, as they are more alert and will flee at the slightest disturbance. To use cover scent lotion effectively, you must understand its mechanics and apply it strategically during your hunts.\n\nFirst, you need to acquire cover scent lotion. It can be purchased from general stores, trappers, or crafted using specific ingredients. To craft it, you need 1x Creeping Thyme, 1x Oregano, and 1x Vanilla Flower. These herbs can be found in the wild, with Creeping Thyme and Oregano commonly located in grassy areas like Heartlands or Big Valley, while Vanilla Flower grows in swampy regions like Bayou Nwa. Once you have the lotion, equip it from your satchel and apply it to your character. One application lasts for a limited time, so reapply as needed during long hunts.\n\nWhen hunting legendary animals, always check the wind direction using your mini-map. The white cone on the mini-map indicates the direction your scent is traveling. If the wind is blowing toward the animal, they will detect you even with cover scent lotion. To counter this, position yourself downwind of the animal. This means the wind should be blowing from the animal toward you, ensuring your scent doesn''t reach them. Use the terrain to your advantage by staying low and moving slowly.\n\nFor example, when hunting the Legendary Buck in Big Valley, approach from the south or east, as these areas often have favorable wind conditions. Use binoculars or a scoped rifle to spot the animal from a distance. Once you''ve located it, crouch and move slowly, using rocks, trees, or bushes as cover. If the animal starts to become alert, stop moving and wait until it calms down before continuing your approach.\n\nAnother practical tip is to combine cover scent lotion with other hunting tools. Use bait to lure the animal into a specific area, making it easier to get a clean shot. Predator bait works well for carnivorous legendary animals like the Legendary Cougar, while herbivore bait is ideal for animals like the Legendary Elk. Place the bait in a location where you have a clear line of sight and a good vantage point. This strategy minimizes the risk of the animal detecting you before you can take the shot.\n\nFinally, always carry a powerful weapon when hunting legendary animals. A rifle with a scope, such as the Rolling Block Rifle or Carcano Rifle, is ideal for long-range shots. Aim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill and preserve the quality of the pelt. If the animal detects you and starts to flee, use Dead Eye to slow time and land a precise shot. Remember, legendary animals do not respawn, so you only get one chance to hunt them.\n\nIn summary, cover scent lotion is an essential tool for hunting legendary animals in Red Dead Redemption 2. Use it in combination with strategic positioning, bait, and powerful weapons to maximize your chances of success. Always monitor the wind direction, move slowly, and use the environment to your advantage. With these tips, you''ll be able to track and hunt even the most elusive legendary animals in the game.