What’s the best way to make money through hunting small game?

Hunting small game in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most reliable ways to earn money, especially early in the game. Small animals like squirrels, rabbits, and birds are abundant and can be hunted with minimal effort. To maximize your profits, you need to focus on perfect pelts and carcasses, as these fetch the highest prices at butchers, trappers, and general stores. The key to success lies in using the right weapons, targeting the right animals, and knowing where to sell your goods.\n\nFirst, you need the right tools for hunting small game. The Varmint Rifle is the best weapon for hunting small animals like rabbits, raccoons, and birds. It ensures clean kills, which are essential for obtaining perfect pelts. For even smaller animals like squirrels and chipmunks, use the Small Game Arrow, crafted by combining an arrow with flight feathers. These weapons minimize damage to the animal, preserving the quality of the pelt or carcass. Always aim for headshots to guarantee a clean kill.\n\nNext, focus on hunting in areas with high concentrations of small game. The forests and grasslands around Valentine, Rhodes, and Strawberry are excellent locations. For example, the area around Cumberland Forest is teeming with rabbits and squirrels, while the wetlands near Bluewater Marsh are ideal for hunting birds like herons and ducks. Use Eagle Eye to track animals and study them to determine their quality (poor, good, or perfect). Only hunt animals with a three-star rating for maximum profit.\n\nOnce you’ve hunted your prey, store the pelts and carcasses on your horse. Small animals can be stored whole in your satchel, but larger ones like rabbits require space on your horse. Be careful not to damage the pelts by running or falling off your horse. If you’re hunting far from a town, consider setting up camp to cook and store your goods temporarily. This prevents losing your haul to unexpected events like ambushes or crashes.\n\nSelling your goods is the final step. Butchers in towns like Valentine, Saint Denis, and Rhodes are the best places to sell pelts and carcasses. Trappers, found in specific locations like near Riggs Station or in the Grizzlies, also buy pelts and can craft unique items from them. For example, a perfect rabbit pelt can fetch around $1.50 at a butcher, while a perfect squirrel carcass sells for about $1.00. Over time, these small amounts add up, especially if you hunt efficiently.\n\nOne common challenge is maintaining the quality of pelts. If you accidentally damage an animal, the pelt’s value drops significantly. To avoid this, always use the correct weapon and aim carefully. Another issue is running out of storage space. Prioritize high-value animals like rabbits and birds, and avoid overloading your horse with low-value pelts. Finally, be mindful of your surroundings. Predators and rival gangs can interrupt your hunting, so always stay alert.\n\nIn summary, hunting small game is a steady and rewarding way to make money in Red Dead Redemption 2. Use the Varmint Rifle or Small Game Arrow, target three-star animals, and sell your goods to butchers or trappers. Focus on high-traffic areas like Cumberland Forest and Bluewater Marsh, and always aim for clean kills. With practice, you can turn hunting into a lucrative activity that funds your adventures across the frontier.