Red Dead Redemption 2 Complete Hunting Guide: Perfect Pelts & Legendary Animals

## Red Dead Redemption 2 Complete Hunting Guide Hunting is essential in RDR2 — for crafting, camp upgrades, and the legendary Legend of the East Satchel. This guide covers everything from perfect pelts to legendary beasts. ### How to Get Perfect Pelts **Step 1: Study the Animal** - Use binoculars or aim at the animal - Press R1/RB to "Study" — this reveals the animal's star rating - Only 3-star (pristine) animals yield perfect pelts **Step 2: Use the Correct Weapon** | Animal Size | Weapon | Animals | |-------------|--------|---------| | Small | Varmint Rifle | Rabbits, raccoons, badgers, iguanas | | Moderate | Bow (regular arrows) or Rifle | Deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep | | Medium | Rifle (Springfield, Bolt Action) | Wolves, cougars, alligators | | Large | Improved Arrows or Rifle | Bears, bison, elk, moose | | Massive | Sniper Rifle or Poison Arrows | Legendary animals | **Step 3: Clean Kill** - Aim for the head or heart (red highlight in Dead Eye) - One-shot kills preserve pelt quality - Multiple shots ruin the pelt ### Legendary Animals There are 16 legendary animals in RDR2. Here are the key ones: **Legendary Buck** - Location: Big Valley, West Elizabeth (northwest of Strawberry) - First one you should hunt — craft the Buck Antler Trinket for better pelt quality **Legendary Coyote** - Location: Scarlett Meadows, Lemoyne - Best hunted at dawn/dusk near the oil derrick **Legendary White Bison** - Location: Lake Isabella, Ambarino - Extreme cold — wear winter clothing - Very aggressive, stay on horseback **Legendary Panther (Giaguaro)** - Location: Southeast of Braithwaite Manor, Lemoyne - Requires Master Hunter Challenge 9 to unlock - Extremely dangerous — bring a powerful rifle ### Legendary Fish - 13 legendary fish locations across the map - Requires Special Lures (buy from Lagras bait shop) - Send catches via mail for rewards - Best spots: Owanjila Lake, Lake Isabella, San Luis River ### Hunting Tips & Tricks 1. **Cover Scent Lotion**: Apply before hunting — masks your scent upwind 2. **Herbivore/Predator Bait**: Place bait, hide nearby, wait 3. **Eagle Eye**: Constantly toggle to track scent trails 4. **Dawn/Dusk**: Most animals are active during these times 5. **Hunting Wagon**: Pops up when you set up camp — stores multiple carcasses 6. **Legendary pelts**: Can't be ruined. Shoot them however you want! ### Trapper Crafting Visit trappers in Saint Denis, near Riggs Station, and Roanoke Ridge for: - Full outfits requiring perfect pelts - Reinforced equipment (holsters, bandoliers) - Unique saddles from perfect snake/moose/beaver pelts ### FAQ **Q: Can legendary animal pelts be ruined?** A: No! Legendary pelts are indestructible. Use any weapon freely on them. **Q: What happens if I lose a legendary pelt?** A: It automatically goes to the Trapper after a few in-game days. **Q: What's the best weapon for hunting?** A: The Springfield Rifle with a scope covers most animals. Add the Varmint Rifle for small game. **Q: How do I get the Legendary Buck Trinket?** A: Hunt the Legendary Buck in Big Valley, then craft the trinket at any Fence. It improves pelt quality for all future hunts.