What’s the best way to hunt animals without ruining pelts?

Hunting animals in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a core activity for survival, crafting, and earning money, but preserving the quality of pelts is essential for maximizing their value. To hunt effectively without ruining pelts, you need to understand the game’s hunting mechanics, use the right tools, and follow specific strategies.\n\nFirst, always use the appropriate weapon for the animal you’re hunting. Smaller animals like rabbits, squirrels, and birds require a Varmint Rifle or Small Game Arrows to avoid damaging their pelts. Medium-sized animals like deer, foxes, and coyotes are best hunted with a Repeater or Bow with Regular Arrows. For larger animals like bears, elk, or bison, use a Rifle or Improved Arrows. Using the wrong weapon, such as a shotgun or explosives, will ruin the pelt quality.\n\nNext, aim for a clean kill by targeting the animal’s vital areas, such as the head or heart. This ensures a one-shot kill, which is crucial for maintaining the pelt’s quality. Use Dead Eye to slow down time and line up a precise shot. For example, when hunting a deer, activate Dead Eye, mark the head, and fire. This guarantees a clean kill and a perfect pelt.\n\nAnimal quality also plays a significant role. Animals are rated as Poor, Good, or Perfect, and only Perfect animals yield the highest-quality pelts. Use your binoculars or study the animal with the ‘Study’ option to determine its quality before hunting. For instance, a three-star deer will provide a perfect pelt, while a one-star deer will only yield a poor-quality pelt.\n\nTracking animals is another important skill. Use Eagle Eye to highlight animal tracks and follow them quietly. Move slowly and crouch to avoid spooking the animal. For example, when hunting a cougar in the forests of Roanoke Ridge, crouch and use cover to get close enough for a clean shot. Noise and sudden movements will scare animals away, so patience is key.\n\nAfter a successful hunt, skin the animal immediately to collect the pelt. Store it on your horse or take it to a Trapper or Camp to craft valuable items. Be cautious of predators or rival hunters who may attack you while you’re skinning. For example, when hunting in Grizzly Bear territory, always be ready to defend yourself.\n\nFinally, upgrade your satchel at camp to carry more pelts and materials. This allows you to hunt multiple animals in one trip without worrying about inventory limits. For example, the Legend of the East Satchel increases your carrying capacity significantly, making it ideal for extended hunting trips.\n\nIn summary, use the right weapon, aim for clean kills, track animals carefully, and prioritize perfect-quality animals. These steps will ensure you preserve pelts and maximize their value for crafting and selling.