What’s the best way to earn money through hunting perfect pelts?

Earning money through hunting perfect pelts in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most profitable and immersive ways to build your wealth. To maximize your earnings, you need to understand the game’s hunting mechanics, animal behavior, and the tools required for success. Perfect pelts are the highest quality pelts you can obtain, and they fetch the highest prices at butchers, trappers, and camp donations. Here’s a detailed guide to help you master this money-making method.\n\nFirst, you need the right equipment. A rifle or bow is essential for hunting larger animals like deer, elk, and bears, while a varmint rifle is perfect for smaller creatures like rabbits and raccoons. The type of weapon you use directly impacts the quality of the pelt. For example, using a shotgun on a deer will ruin the pelt, but a clean headshot with a rifle will yield a perfect pelt. Always check the animal’s info in the compendium to see which weapon is recommended for a clean kill.\n\nNext, focus on tracking and studying animals. Use Eagle Eye to highlight animal tracks and study them to determine the animal’s quality. Animals are rated from one to three stars, with three-star animals providing perfect pelts. Once you’ve identified a three-star animal, approach it carefully. Crouch to reduce noise and use cover to stay hidden. If the animal detects you, it will flee, and chasing it can lower its pelt quality.\n\nTiming and location are crucial for efficient hunting. The Heartlands and Big Valley are excellent regions for hunting deer, pronghorns, and elk. For predators like cougars and bears, head to the forests of West Elizabeth or the Grizzlies. Smaller animals like rabbits and beavers are abundant near water sources like rivers and lakes. Hunting during dawn or dusk increases your chances of finding animals, as they are more active during these times.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining pelt quality after the kill. Always skin the animal immediately to preserve the pelt. If you leave the carcass unskinned, the pelt quality may degrade over time. Additionally, avoid dragging the carcass or exposing it to fire, as this can damage the pelt. If you’re far from a trapper or butcher, store the pelt on your horse to prevent loss.\n\nTo maximize profits, focus on high-value animals. Legendary animals provide unique pelts that sell for a premium, but they are rare and require specific strategies to hunt. Regular high-value animals like cougars, panthers, and moose also yield expensive pelts. For example, a perfect cougar pelt can sell for around $13.50 at a trapper, making it one of the most lucrative hunts in the game.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading your satchel at camp to carry more pelts and materials. The Legend of the East satchel allows you to hold up to 99 of each item, making it easier to stockpile pelts for sale. This upgrade requires hunting specific animals and crafting at Pearson’s workshop, but the effort is well worth it for serious hunters.\n\nIn summary, earning money through perfect pelts requires the right tools, knowledge of animal behavior, and strategic hunting locations. By mastering these mechanics and focusing on high-value targets, you can turn hunting into a highly profitable activity in Red Dead Redemption 2.