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
- Cover Scent Lotion: Apply before hunting — masks your scent upwind
- Herbivore/Predator Bait: Place bait, hide nearby, wait
- Eagle Eye: Constantly toggle to track scent trails
- Dawn/Dusk: Most animals are active during these times
- Hunting Wagon: Pops up when you set up camp — stores multiple carcasses
- 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.