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

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 foxes, 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. Use Eagle Eye (activated by pressing both thumbsticks on consoles or the appropriate key on PC) to highlight animal tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife. Eagle Eye also reveals the animal''s quality (Poor, Good, or Perfect) before you engage. Focus on tracking animals with a Perfect rating, as these will yield the highest-quality pelts. Animals with lower ratings can still be hunted, but their pelts won''t be as valuable.\n\nOnce you''ve identified a target, approach carefully. Animals in RDR2 are sensitive to noise and movement. Crouch to reduce your visibility and move slowly. If the animal detects you, it will flee, making it harder to get a clean shot. For long-range hunting, consider using a scope on your rifle. This allows you to take down animals from a distance without spooking them. Always aim for the head or heart for a clean kill, as body shots can damage the pelt.\n\nSome animals, like cougars or wolves, are more aggressive and will attack if you get too close. In these cases, it''s best to stay on horseback for mobility and use Dead Eye to line up a precise shot. Dead Eye slows time, giving you a better chance to hit critical areas. For birds or small game, consider using Small Game Arrows, which are specifically designed to preserve the quality of their pelts.\n\nWeather and time of day also play a role in animal behavior. For example, deer are more active during dawn and dusk, while predators like wolves are more likely to appear at night. Pay attention to the environment and use it to your advantage. If you''re struggling to find a specific animal, consult the in-game Compendium for hints about their habitats. For instance, beavers are commonly found near water sources like rivers and lakes, while bison roam the plains of New Hanover.\n\nFinally, always carry the right tools for skinning and storing pelts. A Hunting Knife is essential for skinning animals, and your horse can carry multiple pelts. However, larger pelts like those from bears or elk can only be transported one at a time. If you''re hunting far from a Trapper or Camp, consider using a Temporary Horse to carry extra pelts. This ensures you don''t lose valuable resources if your main horse dies or gets separated.\n\nIn summary, tracking animals for perfect pelts in RDR2 involves using the right weapons, mastering Eagle Eye and Dead Eye, and understanding animal behavior. With practice and patience, you''ll be able to consistently harvest high-quality pelts for crafting and selling.