What are the best strategies for earning money from hunting in Red Dead Online?

Hunting is one of the most reliable ways to earn money in Red Dead Online, but it requires strategy and knowledge of game mechanics to maximize profits. The key to successful hunting lies in understanding animal spawns, carcass quality, and the best locations to hunt. Animals are categorized by their star ratings (1-star, 2-star, and 3-star), with 3-star animals yielding the highest-quality pelts and carcasses. Using the right weapons and ammo is crucial to preserving the quality of your kills. For example, a rifle with regular ammo is ideal for large game like deer and elk, while a varmint rifle is perfect for smaller animals like rabbits and raccoons.\n\nOne of the best hunting locations is the Great Plains, west of Blackwater. This area is teeming with deer, pronghorns, bison, and wolves, all of which provide valuable pelts and meat. Another excellent spot is Big Valley, near Little Creek River, where you can find elk, bears, and cougars. For small game, the swamps around Lagras in Lemoyne are ideal, as they are home to alligators, herons, and other exotic animals. Always carry a hunting wagon or use your horse to store multiple carcasses and pelts, as this allows you to maximize your haul before returning to a butcher or trader.\n\nTo optimize your earnings, focus on hunting 3-star animals and selling their pelts and carcasses to butchers in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, or Blackwater. For example, a perfect deer pelt sells for around $3.50, while a perfect buck carcass can fetch up to $10. Additionally, consider hunting legendary animals if you have the Naturalist role unlocked. Legendary pelts and materials can be sold to Gus Macmillan for crafting unique clothing items or to Cripps for your Trader business, which can generate even more income over time.\n\nA common challenge in hunting is dealing with predators like wolves or cougars. Always be prepared by carrying a bolt-action rifle or a shotgun for self-defense. If you’re hunting in predator-heavy areas like Tall Trees or Roanoke Ridge, stay alert and listen for growls or rustling in the bushes. Another issue is preserving carcass quality during transport. Use the lasso to drag large carcasses to your horse without damaging them, and avoid running over rough terrain to prevent spoilage.\n\nFor new players, start by hunting smaller animals like rabbits and birds to build up funds for better weapons and equipment. As you progress, invest in a bow with small game arrows for hunting squirrels and other tiny creatures, as their pelts are valuable for crafting and selling. Experienced players should focus on hunting legendary animals or participating in Trader missions to maximize profits. Always keep an eye on your satchel inventory, as feathers, claws, and other animal parts can also be sold for a decent profit.\n\nFinally, consider joining a posse or teaming up with other players to hunt more efficiently. Group hunting allows you to take down larger animals like bears or bison more easily, and you can share resources like wagons and horses. By following these strategies and mastering the mechanics of hunting, you can consistently earn money and build your wealth in Red Dead Online.