What’s the best way to track animals for perfect pelts in RDR2?

Tracking animals for perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of patience, the right tools, and knowledge of game mechanics. The first step is to ensure you have the appropriate weapons and ammunition. For small animals like rabbits or squirrels, use a Varmint Rifle. For medium-sized animals like deer or wolves, a Repeater or Bow with Improved Arrows works best. For larger animals like bears or bison, a Rifle with High-Velocity or Express Ammo is ideal. Using the wrong weapon can damage the pelt, reducing its quality.\n\nNext, you need to locate animals in the wild. Open your map and look for animal icons, which indicate areas with high animal activity. For example, the forests near Valentine are great for deer, while the plains of West Elizabeth are ideal for bison. Use Eagle Eye (activated by pressing both thumbsticks on consoles) to highlight animal tracks and trails. This ability allows you to see footprints, droppings, and other signs of nearby animals, making tracking easier.\n\nOnce you’ve located an animal, assess its quality before engaging. Aim your weapon at the animal and study it (hold the right stick on consoles). This will reveal its star rating: one star for poor, two for good, and three for perfect. Only three-star animals yield perfect pelts. If the animal doesn’t have a three-star rating, leave it alone and continue searching. Killing lower-quality animals will waste time and resources.\n\nWhen you’ve found a three-star animal, approach it carefully. Crouch to reduce noise and stay downwind to avoid alerting the animal. Use your binoculars to plan your shot. Aim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill. A single, well-placed shot is crucial for preserving the pelt’s quality. If the animal is spooked and runs, use Dead Eye to slow time and line up your shot accurately.\n\nAfter the kill, skin the animal immediately to collect the pelt. Store it on your horse or take it to a Trapper or Pearson at camp to craft items. Be mindful of your horse’s storage capacity, as larger pelts like bison or bear hides take up significant space. If you’re hunting in a remote area, consider setting up camp nearby to fast travel back to town or camp without losing your pelts.\n\nCommon challenges include animals fleeing or being attacked by predators. To avoid spooking animals, avoid running or making loud noises. If a predator like a wolf or cougar attacks, prioritize your safety and use Dead Eye to take it down quickly. Additionally, weather conditions like rain or fog can make tracking harder, so consider waiting for clear weather to improve visibility.\n\nFor specific locations, the Heartlands near Valentine are excellent for deer and pronghorns, while the Grizzlies West region is ideal for elk and wolves. The swamps of Lemoyne are perfect for alligators, and the deserts of New Austin are great for hunting cougars and bighorn sheep. Always carry enough supplies, including health tonics and ammo, to handle unexpected encounters.\n\nFinally, invest in the Legendary Buck Trinket early in the game. This trinket, obtained by hunting the Legendary Buck in West Elizabeth, increases the chances of obtaining perfect pelts from animals. It’s a game-changer for hunters and makes the process of collecting high-quality pelts much more efficient.\n\nIn summary, tracking animals for perfect pelts in RDR2 requires the right tools, careful planning, and patience. Use the appropriate weapons, study animals before engaging, and aim for clean kills. Utilize Eagle Eye and Dead Eye to your advantage, and always be prepared for unexpected challenges. With practice, you’ll master the art of hunting and crafting in no time.