What’s the best way to farm animal pelts for the Trader role?

Farming animal pelts for the Trader role in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires a combination of strategy, knowledge of animal spawns, and efficient hunting techniques. The Trader role revolves around gathering materials, primarily animal carcasses and pelts, to supply Cripps at your camp. To maximize efficiency, focus on hunting high-value animals and understanding the game mechanics that affect pelt quality.\n\nFirst, ensure you have unlocked the Trader role by speaking with Cripps at your camp. You’ll need 15 Gold Bars to start, which can be earned through daily challenges, treasure maps, or story missions. Once unlocked, invest in the Hunting Wagon, a crucial tool for storing multiple large carcasses and pelts. This wagon allows you to transport more materials in a single trip, saving time and effort.\n\nTo farm pelts effectively, prioritize three-star (perfect) animals. The quality of the pelt depends on the animal’s condition and the weapon used. For example, use a rifle with a scope for large animals like deer, elk, or bears, and a varmint rifle for smaller animals like rabbits or raccoons. Always aim for headshots to preserve the pelt quality. If you’re unsure which weapon to use, consult the Animal Field Guide in the game’s compendium.\n\nOne of the best locations for hunting is the Great Plains, west of Blackwater. This area is teeming with deer, pronghorns, bison, and wolves. Another excellent spot is Big Valley, near Little Creek River, where you can find elk, deer, and bears. These locations offer a high density of animals and are relatively close to your camp, reducing travel time.\n\nWhen hunting, use Eagle Eye to track animals and identify their quality. Approach quietly by crouching or using cover scent lotion to mask your scent. This prevents animals from detecting you and fleeing. If you’re hunting in a group, coordinate with other players to cover more ground and secure multiple kills quickly.\n\nA common challenge is managing inventory space. The Hunting Wagon can store up to five large carcasses or pelts, but you’ll need to return to camp frequently to unload. To optimize your time, focus on hunting large animals first, as they provide more materials. For example, a perfect deer carcass is worth more than a perfect rabbit pelt. Additionally, skin smaller animals and store their pelts in your satchel to save space in the wagon.\n\nWeather and time of day also affect animal behavior. For instance, wolves and cougars are more active at night, while deer and elk are easier to find during the day. Pay attention to these patterns to increase your chances of encountering high-value targets. If you’re struggling to find three-star animals, consider using bait. Herbivore bait attracts deer and elk, while predator bait lures wolves and cougars.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for unexpected encounters. Predators like cougars and wolves can attack while you’re hunting, so keep your weapons ready. Additionally, rival players may try to steal your pelts, so hunt in defensive mode or with a posse for added security.\n\nIn summary, farming pelts for the Trader role involves hunting high-value animals in optimal locations, using the right weapons, and managing your inventory efficiently. By following these tips, you can maximize your profits and keep Cripps busy producing goods for your Trading business.