What’s the best method to complete the Master Hunter Challenge 8?

Master Hunter Challenge 8 in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires you to kill 5 cougars with your bow and collect their pelts. This challenge can be tricky due to the cougar''s aggressive behavior and rarity, but with the right strategy, it becomes manageable. The key is to locate cougar spawn points, prepare your equipment, and execute the kills carefully.\n\nFirst, you need to find reliable cougar spawn locations. The best areas are near the western edge of the map, particularly around Big Valley, north of Owanjila Lake, and in Roanoke Ridge near Brandywine Drop. These areas have consistent cougar spawns, especially during early morning or late evening hours. Use your map to mark these locations and revisit them if the cougar doesn’t appear immediately.\n\nNext, equip yourself properly. You’ll need a bow and improved arrows to ensure a clean kill. Improved arrows are crafted using regular arrows, flight feathers, and animal fat. These arrows deal more damage and increase your chances of a one-shot kill, which is crucial for preserving the pelt quality. Additionally, stock up on health tonics and predator bait to lure cougars out of hiding.\n\nWhen hunting cougars, stealth is essential. Approach the spawn areas on foot, as horses can spook the cougar or make you an easier target. Use Eagle Eye to track the cougar’s scent trail and locate it. Once you spot the cougar, crouch and move slowly to avoid detection. If the cougar notices you, it will charge aggressively, so be ready to aim and shoot quickly.\n\nAim for the head or heart to ensure a clean kill. If you miss or hit a non-vital area, the cougar will attack, dealing significant damage. Keep your health tonics handy to recover quickly if you’re injured. After killing the cougar, skin it immediately to collect the pelt. Remember, only perfect pelts count toward the challenge, so avoid using weapons other than the bow.\n\nIf you’re struggling to find cougars, try using predator bait. Place the bait in a clearing near the spawn area and retreat to a safe distance. Wait patiently for the cougar to appear. This method can save time and reduce the risk of being ambushed. Additionally, sleeping or fast-traveling to reset the spawn timer can help if the cougar doesn’t appear after several attempts.\n\nFinally, practice patience and persistence. Cougars are rare and unpredictable, so it may take multiple attempts to complete the challenge. Use the time between spawns to gather resources or complete other tasks in the area. With the right preparation and strategy, you’ll complete Master Hunter Challenge 8 and earn the satisfaction of mastering one of the game’s toughest hunts.\n\nPractical tips: Always save your game before attempting to hunt a cougar. This allows you to reload if the pelt quality is ruined or if you’re killed. Additionally, consider using Dead Eye to improve your aim and ensure a clean shot. Lastly, avoid hunting at night, as visibility is reduced, making it harder to spot and track the cougar.