What’s the best way to hunt badgers for perfect pelts?

Hunting badgers for perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of the right tools, knowledge of their behavior, and strategic hunting locations. Badgers are small, elusive animals, so patience and precision are key. To ensure a perfect pelt, you must use the correct weapon and aim for a clean kill. The Varmint Rifle is the ideal weapon for hunting badgers, as it is designed for small game and minimizes damage to the pelt. Always aim for the head or heart to achieve a one-shot kill, which is crucial for maintaining the pelt''s quality.\n\nBadgers are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. This is the best time to hunt them, as they are more likely to be out foraging. However, they can also be found during the day, especially in areas with dense vegetation or near their burrows. Use your Eagle Eye ability to track their movements and locate them more easily. Eagle Eye highlights animal trails and scents, making it easier to follow badgers even in low-light conditions.\n\nOne of the best locations to find badgers is near Bolger Glade, southeast of Rhodes. This area has a mix of open fields and wooded areas, providing an ideal habitat for badgers. Another reliable spot is just west of the Heartland Oil Fields, near the train tracks. Badgers are also commonly found in the forests around Big Valley and the northern parts of West Elizabeth. These areas are rich in wildlife, so you may encounter other animals while hunting, but focusing on badgers will yield the best results.\n\nWhen approaching a badger, move slowly and crouch to avoid spooking it. Badgers are skittish and will flee if they detect you. Use cover, such as trees or rocks, to stay hidden while you line up your shot. If you are too far away, the Varmint Rifle''s accuracy may drop, so try to get within a reasonable distance without alerting the animal. Once you have a clear shot, aim for the head or heart and fire. A clean kill will ensure the pelt remains in perfect condition.\n\nAfter successfully hunting a badger, skin it immediately to collect the pelt. Perfect pelts are highly valuable and can be sold to trappers or used for crafting at the camp. If you are carrying multiple pelts, consider using your horse to store them. However, be cautious of predators or hostile NPCs in the area, as they can attack you while you are vulnerable. Always be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.\n\nFor players struggling to find badgers, consider using bait to lure them out. Predator bait can be crafted using animal meat and herbs, and it is particularly effective for attracting small predators like badgers. Place the bait in an area where you have seen badger tracks or droppings, then hide nearby and wait for the animal to approach. This method can save time and increase your chances of encountering a badger.\n\nFinally, remember that the quality of the pelt depends on the condition of the animal before you kill it. Always look for three-star badgers, as these will yield perfect pelts. Use your binoculars or the scope on your Varmint Rifle to inspect the animal''s quality before taking the shot. If the badger is not three stars, it is better to wait for another opportunity rather than waste time on a lower-quality pelt.\n\nIn summary, hunting badgers for perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires the right tools, knowledge of their behavior, and strategic hunting locations. Use the Varmint Rifle for clean kills, hunt during the night or in dense vegetation, and focus on areas like Bolger Glade or the Heartland Oil Fields. Be patient, use Eagle Eye to track them, and always aim for three-star animals to ensure the best results. With these tips, you will be able to collect perfect badger pelts efficiently and effectively.