What is the best weapon to use for hunting deer to get perfect pelts in RDR2?

To obtain perfect pelts from deer in Red Dead Redemption 2, the best weapon to use is the **Springfield Rifle** or the **Bolt Action Rifle**. These rifles are ideal because they provide the necessary power and precision to kill deer in one shot without damaging the pelt. Deer are classified as large animals in the game, and using the correct weapon is crucial to maintaining the quality of the pelt.\n\nBefore hunting, you must first identify the quality of the deer. Use your **Binoculars** or **Weapon Scope** to study the animal. Deer can be of poor, good, or perfect quality, indicated by one, two, or three stars, respectively. Only three-star deer will yield perfect pelts. If the deer is not three stars, you can improve its quality by using the **Buck Antler Trinket**, which increases the chances of obtaining higher-quality pelts.\n\nOnce you’ve located a three-star deer, approach it carefully. Deer are skittish animals, so crouch and move slowly to avoid spooking them. Use **Cover Scent Lotion** to mask your scent, which will allow you to get closer without alerting the deer. Position yourself at a safe distance, ideally within 50-100 meters, to ensure a clean shot.\n\nAim for the deer’s head or neck to achieve a clean kill. A shot to the body may damage the pelt, reducing its quality. Use **Dead Eye** to slow down time and ensure your shot is accurate. After the kill, approach the deer and skin it immediately to collect the perfect pelt. If you leave the carcass unskinned for too long, the pelt quality may degrade.\n\nCommon challenges include deer fleeing before you can take a shot or accidentally damaging the pelt. To avoid these issues, always hunt during the early morning or late evening when deer are more active and easier to spot. Additionally, avoid using weapons like shotguns or explosives, as they will ruin the pelt. If you’re struggling to find three-star deer, focus on areas like **Big Valley**, **Cumberland Forest**, or **Heartlands**, where deer are abundant.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to upgrade your weapons and abilities. Purchase the **Rifleman Holster** to carry your rifle more efficiently, and unlock **Dead Eye** upgrades to improve your accuracy. Experienced players can use the **Varmint Rifle** for smaller animals but should stick to rifles for deer to ensure perfect pelts.\n\nFinally, always store your pelts on your horse or sell them to a trapper immediately. Pelts left on the ground or on your horse for too long may despawn or degrade. By following these steps and using the right weapon, you can consistently obtain perfect deer pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2.