How do you avoid losing a Legendary Animal carcass in RDR2?

Hunting Legendary Animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a thrilling but challenging task, and losing a carcass 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 parts are highly valuable for crafting special gear at the Trapper. Once killed, they cannot respawn, so losing their carcass means losing access to their unique rewards permanently.\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 collect the pelt and other parts. Skinning prevents the carcass from being lost or stolen.\n\nAfter skinning, store the pelt on your horse. Legendary pelts are automatically marked as important, so they cannot be dropped accidentally. However, if your horse dies or you fast travel, the pelt will be lost. To avoid this, always keep your horse in good health and avoid dangerous areas like cliffs or deep water. If you need to travel, ride manually to your destination instead of using fast travel.\n\nIf you die or fail to skin the animal, the pelt will be sent to the Trapper automatically. However, this only applies to pelts, not carcasses. To ensure you don’t lose the carcass, prioritize skinning over other tasks. For example, if you’re attacked by predators or enemies, deal with them quickly and return to the carcass. Legendary Animals are often found in remote areas, so be prepared for ambushes or environmental hazards.\n\nAnother common issue is losing the carcass due to poor navigation or accidents. Always mark the location of the Legendary Animal on your map before engaging it. If you’re hunting in dense forests or mountainous terrain, use your Eagle Eye ability to track the animal and avoid getting lost. If you accidentally drop the carcass or pelt, reload a recent save to recover it. Save your game manually before starting the hunt to minimize losses.\n\nFinally, consider using the Hunting Wagon from the Trader role in Red Dead Online. While this feature is not available in the single-player story mode, it’s a great way to store and transport multiple carcasses safely in the online version. For single-player, focus on keeping your horse safe and avoiding risky situations. Always prioritize the pelt over the carcass, as the pelt is the most valuable part of the Legendary Animal.\n\nIn summary, to avoid losing a Legendary Animal carcass in RDR2, skin the animal immediately, store the pelt on your horse, and avoid dangerous situations. Use high-quality weapons, mark the location on your map, and save your game before starting the hunt. By following these steps, you can ensure that your hard-earned rewards are safely delivered to the Trapper.