Hunting in Red Dead Redemption 2 is far more than a side activity—it’s one of the richest and most rewarding systems in the game. While it’s easy to overlook at first, diving deep into hunting can net you powerful gear, unique trinkets, and stat-boosting bonuses, not to mention legendary outfits. Whether you’re new or deep into the campaign, this guide breaks down everything you need to master hunting in the wild west.

Why Hunting Matters

Hunting provides meat for camp provisions or personal use, pelts for crafting gear and outfits, and legendary animal parts that unlock powerful trinkets. If you’re only shooting animals at random, you’re missing out on a high-value, system-driven activity that can shape your entire gameplay.

Understanding Pelt Quality

There are three levels of pelt quality:

• 1 Star (Poor) – Useless for crafting, barely worth selling.
• 2 Stars (Good) – Occasionally useful, but limited value.
• 3 Stars (Perfect) – The gold standard; required for most high-end crafting.

The most common misconception is that perfect pelt quality depends solely on shot placement. In reality, five variables affect pelt outcome:

• Specimen Quality
• Correct Weapon Type
• Correct Ammunition
• Accurate Shot Placement
• Whether the Kill Was Instant and Fatal

Let’s break these down.

Spotting the Right Specimen

Before you pull the trigger, inspect your target. Using binoculars or a scoped rifle, check the star rating next to the animal’s name. Only three-star animals can yield perfect pelts. If you see anything less, move on—it’s not worth the bullet.

Choosing the Right Weapon

Every animal type is grouped by size, and each group requires specific weapons to maintain pelt quality:

• Small (e.g. snakes, rats) – Small Game Arrows
• Moderate (e.g. rabbits, skunks, raccoons) – Varmint Rifle
• Medium (e.g. pigs, foxes, beavers) – Bow with regular arrows or a Repeater
• Large (e.g. deer, wolves, cougars) – Rifle or Poison Arrow
• Massive (e.g. bison, bears, moose) – Improved Arrows or Sniper Rifles

Using too weak or too powerful a weapon will damage the pelt. Know your quarry before selecting your loadout.

Shot Placement and Fatality

To guarantee a perfect pelt, the shot must be both critical and fatal:

• Critical spots include the brain, heart, and stomach.
• Fatal shots mean the animal dies instantly—no suffering, no chase.

Later in the game, upgrading Dead Eye to level 3 or higher will highlight critical zones, making perfect shots much easier. Even without Dead Eye, a clean headshot is usually enough—just make sure it drops in one hit.

If the animal runs and bleeds out, the pelt is ruined. You’ll know it’s bleeding if its trail turns red instead of blue. Mercy killing won’t restore pelt quality.

The Ideal Hunting Process

To streamline your hunting sessions, follow this setup:

1. Equip the proper weapon before leaving your horse.
2. Apply scent cover lotion (buyable at general stores) to avoid being detected by smell.
3. Use binoculars or a scope to inspect herds and pick out three-star targets.
4. Crouch and move slowly to avoid startling animals.
5. Attract the animal’s attention by pressing Square (or the appropriate prompt) to raise its head.
6. Take the shot, using Dead Eye if needed, and drop the animal instantly.

Use the world map to identify animal habitats—plains for bison, forests for deer and elk. Plan your trips accordingly.

Hunting in Crowded or Skittish Areas

If you’re in a busy area (near roads or towns), animals may flee more easily. The fix? Use bait or lures.

• Purchase predator or herbivore bait from general stores or trappers.
• Place the bait, crouch nearby (around 10 meters away), and wait.
• Animals will come to you, giving you full control over the engagement.

Legendary Animal Hunting

Legendary creatures change the game. They don’t respawn, and their pelts are unique and used for special items:

• Legendary animals begin appearing as early as Chapter 2.
• The first legendary hunt is a bear, introduced via the main story.

Check your Satchel’s map section to find general locations for each legendary animal. Once in the area, the game will notify you with a prompt. You’ll need to find a series of clues marked with question marks to start the hunt.

Important details:

• Legendary animals do not require perfect shots.
• You cannot ruin their pelts, no matter what weapon or method you use.
• Use your strongest guns and Dead Eye to bring them down fast—they can easily kill you.

Legendary pelts unlock exclusive outfits via the trapper and powerful trinkets via the fence. These trinkets use rare parts like teeth, hearts, or bones to permanently enhance stats like stamina regeneration, loot quality, or damage resistance.

Wrap-Up and Pro Tips

• Always carry scent lotion and the right weapons before heading out.
• Ignore animals with less than three stars.
• Use lures to control the battlefield.
• Upgrade Dead Eye to highlight critical areas.
• Don’t worry about damaging legendary animal pelts—they’re indestructible.

Hunting is one of the most rewarding systems in Red Dead Redemption 2, offering a deep, engaging way to upgrade your gear, your stats, and your immersion. Master the hunt, and the wilds will reward you handsomely.

Until next time, keep your powder dry, your eyes sharp, and your pelts perfect.