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Now the trick to hunting is calm and patience. You gotta think and move like an animal to catch an animal.
John Marston to Jack Marston
Deers and Bucks
RDR2 Hunting

Hunting is an activity that plays a very prominent role in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2. In Redemption, the player can hunt all featured animals (with the exception of the bats that fly over Tumbleweed every evening) for sport and money. In the second game, the activity is expanded upon, with the player being able to hunt all animals featured in the compendium for sport, money, clothing, and food. Although hunting can be a past-time, it may also be necessary for survival, as many of the animals found in both games, such as bears and wolves, can easily kill the player.

Successful completion of Master Hunter: Rank 10 allows the creation of Vittles after skinning an animal.

Description[]

Red Dead Redemption[]

Hunting in Red Dead Redemption game can involve stalking, advancing upon the targeted animal, and finally making the kill. This system makes the game very similar to the actual sport of hunting. Animal bait can be bought from merchants at stores to attract various animal species. Skinning an animal allows the player to acquire material from the animal, which includes furs, skins, carapaces, hides, teeth, pelts, claws, fangs, feathers, meat, hearts, tusks, antlers and horns.

Rdr justice pike'sbasin

Cattle running in Pike's Basin

These resources can then be sold to merchants for various prices in various places; this is considered by many to be one of the fastest sources of gaining money as it can allow the player to gather hundreds of dollars worth of resources within minutes, and does not require waiting for an event to be available, such as bounty hunting. When the player skins an animal, Marston can be seen crouching in front of the animal. He will then take out his knife, and begin to skin the animal, using up to three different cuts, depending on the size of the animal. After initiating the skinning process, an animation of John Marston cutting while blood splats on the screen, shows. It is also possible to achieve a slightly higher camera angle (although the animal will still be out of view) if the player crouches before initiating the skinning animation.

Animals are randomly generated in the wilderness and can sometimes assault the player, his allies, and his horse, requiring intervention. Marston will sometimes encounter strangers screaming for help as they are pursued by some type of predatory animal, such as a wolf or bear. Eliminating the pursuing animals (and therefore saving the stranger) will grant Marston money and fame. Additionally, hunting at least one of every wild animal species in the game will earn the player the Unnatural Selection trophy/achievement.

After a kill, vultures may appear, opening up the sharpshooting challenge. Completing this and other challenges will earn the player fame, and can unlock outfits for Marston. The blood of any animal will act as bait for predators, so when an animal is killed, keep a lookout for wolves, coyotes, cougars, bears or any other animal likely to scavenge. This also means that never-ending waves of animals may appear. If you kill a pack of wolves a new pack of wolves will appear shortly after, the same will keep happening, only with less time between each individual wave. But beware, if you hunt too close to a town or settlement, you will soon have a bounty on your head and the law chasing after you.

Red Dead Redemption 2[]

Like its predecessor, hunting is very similar to the actual sport, and is significantly improved upon. In this game, hunting typically involves approaching an animal without alerting them, advancing upon the target, and making the kill. If the player wishes to find a more specific hunting target, they can purchase predator and herbivore baits from general stores and the trapper. To catch rarer and larger animals, such as cougars and bears, the player can craft potent predator and herbivore baits at a campfire. Additionally, the player can purchase or craft cover scent lotion if they wish to get closer to animals without alerting them via scent. Skinning an animal carcass allows the player to acquire materials from the animal, including pelts, claws, fangs, feathers, meat, hearts, tusks, antlers and horns. If they kill certain species of birds, the player will be presented with the option to pluck the carcass, in which they will receive feathers exclusive to said animal, flight feathers, and other rewards. When the player skins or plucks an animal, they will typically be presented with a cutscene or animation of Arthur taking out his knife and proceeding to skin the animal. Oftentimes, the process of skinning will cause Arthur's hands to be covered in blood.

Butcher

Arthur Morgan arriving at a butcher's shop with an alligator and several pelts

Resources gained from hunting can be utilized in many methods. Firstly, the player can sell items, such as pelts and horns, to butchers across the map. Depending on the quality of the item and the type of animal it came from, the prices will vary. For example, poor quality pelts from animals such as deer may only sell for a few cents, while legendary pelts can be sold for dozens of dollars. Additionally, the player can also sell items to the trapper, in which they can be crafted into special clothing items; along with that, the player can also sell special items such as trophies from legendary animals to fences, which can be crafted into trinkets and talismans.

Wildlife is randomly generated throughout the game's map, using an advanced A.I. system, and will interact with other species and the player. If threatened, animals may assault the player or his horse. If deadly, such as a cougar attack, the player may have to kill the animal in order to survive. In several random encounters, the player may find strangers screaming for help as they are trapped by a predatory animal. Eliminating the animals can result in a reward and a gain of honor.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, the player has the ability to stealthily kill animals using a knife or bow. They can also craft a multitude of different weapons to assist in hunting endeavors. Additionally, the player can complete ten "Master Hunter" challenges in order to unlock exclusive weapons gear.

Animals[]

Red Dead Redemption[]

HuntingMP

Groups of animals may hunt you in free roam.

There are 36 different (not including legendary) animals that can be encountered in Red Dead Redemption and any of the listed animals can be hunted. Different animals supply the player with different pelts, claws, meat and other resources with different values, which can be sold. Killing some animals may not please their owners or the townsfolk. Slaughter of an owned horse or a domesticated dog is a crime and, if witnessed, will result in a bounty. This is considered "Animal Slaughter." Being seen killing cattle will also place a bounty on the player, called "Livestock Slaughter."

Red-dead-redemption-20100128005811943

Sometimes the hunter becomes the hunted!

These animals all interact throughout the wild in a carefully crafted ecosystem. For instance, the player could be traversing the plains and see a herd of buffalo grazing, or while traveling through a forest, one may encounter a cougar hunting an elk, or a grizzly bear defending its territory from a pack of wolves. Each animal behaves differently; however, they can generally be placed within one of two categories: passive and aggressive.

Passive animals are harmless to the player, and will usually flee at any sign of danger or if the player gets too close and is detected by the animal. Tamed animals such as broken horses or farm cattle will not flee but will still move away slightly due to a sense of personal space.

Aggressive animals will attack the player either as prey or because they feel threatened, they are usually predatory, exceptions include the boar, the bull. Beware of these animals even when dead, as it is rare to encounter an aggressive animal traveling alone; for example, wolves always travel in packs but some animals like coyotes will travel alone but even though they don't usually attack don't let that fool you because they will occasionally attack.

Animals of different species have different habitats, so time of day sometimes matters as much as location when trying to hunt down specific prey. Players having trouble spotting a particular critter in the day time may often find it to be worth their while to camp out and wait for nightfall.

A wise hunter knows which weapon to use for each type of animal. A small firearm may not make a sufficient impression on a large predator, while some heavy weapons turn humbler creatures into fine red mist (thus preventing the player from skinning them or obtaining body parts necessary for some quests).

Some animals only exist on one side of the US/Mexican border. This means that Marston's kills can fetch a higher price on the other side. This also applies to animals found only in West Elizabeth.

List of Animals[]

Image Animal Loots Location
Armadillo

Armadillo

Armadillo Carapace, Armadillo Meat

Cholla Springs, Gaptooth Ridge, Diez Coronas, Perdido
Rdr bear (in-game) Bear Bear Meat, Bear Fur, Bear Claws, Bear Teeth, Bear Heart(this is rare to get) Tall Trees, but can be found at or just outside Beecher's Hope or at Broken Tree if bait is used.
Castor Beaver Beaver Meat, Beaver Fur West Elizabeth
Muflón Bighorn Sheep Bighorn Meat, Bighorn Horns, Bighorn Skin North Cholla Springs, Tall Trees
Jabali Boar Boar Meat, Boar Tusks, Boar Skin North Hennigan's Stead, West Elizabeth
Lince2 Bobcat Bobcat Fur, Bobcat Claw, Bobcat Meat Nuevo Paraiso, Tall Trees
Ciervo macho

Buck

Buck Meat, Buck Skin, Buck Antlers Various
AmericanBuffalo3DModel Buffalo Buffalo Meat, Buffalo Horns, Buffalo Skin Great Plains
Vaca23 Cattle Cow Hide, Cow Meat All ranches, Twin Rocks, Pike's Basin, Chuparosa, Blackwater
Gallina2 Chicken Chicken Feathers In all towns
Pielobo

Coyote

Coyote Pelt, Coyote Meat

New Austin, Nuevo Paraiso
Puma Cougar Cougar Meat, Cougar Claw, Cougar Fang, Cougar Pelt New Austin, West Elizabeth
Cuervo Crow Crow Feathers Various, the mission Pestilence
Ciervo hembra Deer Deer Meat, Deer Skin Various
Dog-in-Manzanita-Post-02 Dog Dog Meat, Dog Fur In all towns
Pato Duck Duck Feathers Lake Don Julio,  South Great Plains, Along the San Luis River
Aguila mexicano Eagle Eagle Feathers Nuevo Pariso, Tall Trees
Uatapi Elk Elk Skin, Elk Antlers, Elk Meat Tall Trees
Zorro Fox Fox Meat, Fox Fur New Austin, West Elizabeth
Cabra comun3 Goat Goat Meat Nuevo Paraiso, Critchley's Ranch, Cochinay
Rdr bear (in-game) Grizzly Bear Grizzly Furs, Grizzly Claws, Grizzly Meat, Grizzly Tooth, Grizzly Heart Tall Trees
Halcón Hawk Hawk Feathers Various
Wildlife.horsejump Horse Horse Meat, Horse Hide Almost everywhere
Mule Mule Meat, Mule Hide Nuevo Paraiso
Buho Owl Owl Feathers Various (at night)
Cerdo Pig Pig Meat Thieves' Landing, Rathskeller Fork, Warthington Ranch, Cochinay, Blackwater
Conejo Rabbit Rabbit Meat Various
Mapache2 Raccoon Raccoon Meat, Raccoon Fur New Austin, West Elizabeth (at night)
ThO Rattlesnake Snake Skin Various
Gaviota Seagull Seagull Feathers Blackwater
Pajaro cantor Songbird Songbird Feathers

Various

Obeja Sheep Sheep Skin, Sheep Meat Armadillo
Mofeta Skunk Skunk Fur, Skunk Meat Various
Buitre Vulture Vulture Feather Around dead bodies, dead animals, appear after completing gang hideouts
Lobo3d Wolf Wolf Meat, Wolf Pelt, Wolf Heart Various
Legendary Loots
Rdr brumas bear Brumas the Bear Brumas' Meat, Brumas' Tooth, Brumas' Heart, Brumas' Claw, Brumas' Fur Nekoti Rock
Lobo the wolof Lobo the Wolf Lobo's Heart, Lobo's Meat, Lobo's Pelt Aurora Basin
Jabali5gordo Gordo the Boar Gordo's Tusks, Gordo's Meat, Gordo's Heart Stillwater Creek
Khan el jaguar Khan the Jaguar Khan's Heart, Khan's Fang, Khan's Pelt, Khan's Meat Ojo del Diablo
Jabaliwilbur Wilbur the Boar Multiplayer only, he cannot be looted, or sold Broken Tree
Demi the Cougar Multiplayer only, she cannot be looted, or sold Silent Stead
Keifer the Wolf Multiplayer only, he cannot be looted, or sold Rio del Lobo
Texturalince3

Roberto the Bobcat

Multiplayer only, he cannot be looted, or sold Roca de Madera
Lentri Jackalope

Buck Antlers, Rabbit Meat, Jackalope skin

Warthington Ranch, Rathskeller Fork, Hennigan's Stead

Red Dead Redemption 2[]

Arthur Bow

Using a bow is an effective way to stealthily kill an animal.

Charles and Arthur hunting

The player can go hunting with different gang members in companion activities throughout the story.

There are over 200 animals that can be encountered in Red Dead Redemption 2, including 16 legendary animals. Different animals supply the player with different pelts, claws, meat and other resources with different values, which can be sold to butchers, fences, and the trapper for rewards and exclusive accessories. Although most animals can be hunted without consequences, there are some animals that are typically not acceptable to kill. If the player is caught killing horses, livestock, or pets, they can become wanted for animal cruelty. If the player kills too many animals in one sitting without skinning them, they can lose honor for over-hunting. Additionally, if an animal has not been instantly killed by the player, and is wounded, the player will lose honor if they do not put the animal out of its misery.

These animals all interact throughout the wilderness in a carefully crafted ecosystem. For instance, the player could be traversing the grasslands and see bucks fighting each other, or while traveling through a forest, one may encounter a cougar hunting an elk, or a grizzly bear defending its territory from a pack of wolves. Each animal behaves differently; some are shy and timid, while others are assertive and aggressive. Generally, animals can be placed within one of two categories: passive and aggressive. Passive animals are normally harmless, and will usually flee at any sign of danger or if the player gets too close and is detected by the animal. Tamed animals such as broken horses or farm cattle will not flee but will still move away slightly due to a sense of personal space. Aggressive animals, such as bears, cougars, wolves, snakes, and alligators, will be marked with a red dot on the mini-map, and will attack the player if provoked.

Additionally, animals of different species have different habitats and schedules, so they may only be out during a specific time of day. For example, animals like owls are nocturnal, and will typically be only found at night. Also, the player must choose wisely on which weapon they use to kill an animal. Each critter is of a different size and manner, so the player must use the right weapon to kill them. For example, a revolver will not work in taking down a grizzly bear, nor will a shotgun effectively give the player a good rabbit pelt. For tips on how to kill a certain animal, the player can look inside the compendium on the pause screen.

Tools of the Trade[]

Red Dead Redemption[]

When hunting small game (birds and small mammals) it is advisable to use a smaller caliber gun (Repeater Carbine or Cattleman Revolver). If too large a weapon caliber is used, the animal being hunted has a tendency to explode in a red shower of blood, leaving no remains to be harvested (e.g. shooting a beaver with a shotgun will not produce any skinnable remains).

It is useful to use a horse when hunting large or more dangerous animals (e.g. bear, cougars, elk, wolves etc.) Horses can allow you to chase the fast herbivores as well as giving the powerful predators a run for their money.

Cut

John slashing at a cougar.

The Hunting Knife is always described as a lesser weapon, but can be very useful while hunting, as it provides a silent kill. This is good to use on horseback. It is also the tool used for skinning. Throwing Knives are useful too, as they provide a silent short distance kill, and can kill with one or two throws.

Bait is a very useful tool, as it attracts a large group of animals in the vicinity. But be warned: a group of bears or other fairly dangerous animals may come after the player. Usually when using bait, you mainly get wolves or coyotes in the vicinity, so these animals usually scare away your desired animal of finding.

The binoculars can be used to see very far away. It is not only good for hunting, but also for scanning the horizon, seeing enemies, and finding herbs. This item is obtained in the West Elizabeth mission, "At Home With Dutch."

The player can also use dogs when hunting. This may or may not be a more useful way. Mainly at MacFarlane's Ranch or Manzanita Post there will be collie type dogs roaming around. Whistle near them and they will follow you. Once you leave the area the area they should go ahead and start tracking animals. If they find something they will begin barking and sprint off in the direction toward the animal.

Red Dead Redemption 2[]

Exit, Pursued by a Bruised Ego

Arthur carrying a rabbit carcass in "Exit, Pursued by a Bruised Ego"

When hunting small game (birds, rodents, and other small mammals), it is advisable to use either a .22 caliber varmint rifle or small game arrows, which can be crafted at campfires. If the player kills an animal with a gun that is too powerful, they may ruin the pelt. Additionally, if the player uses too weak of a weapon, the animal may not die, and might be able to flee. It is useful to use a horse when hunting more common animals such as deer, as it allows the player to chase fast animals, along with being able to flee predators fast. Weapons like arrows, and hunting and throwing knives, are useful tools as well, which can be used to provide a silent and short distance kill.

To kill animals from afar, the player can use binoculars or a scoped rifle to study and kill animals. A helpful tool that the player can use is Eagle Eye, which allows them to search for tracks and any clues regarding animal whereabouts. Eagle Eye is unlocked after completing "The Aftermath of Genesis." Throughout the story, the player may also be offered missions and companion activities, in which they can go hunting with fellow gang members, who can assist you in finding regular and legendary animals. For example, in the mission "Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego," the player will be introduced to the concept of legendary animals during a hunting trip with Hosea Matthews, in which they attempt to bring down a thousand-pound grizzly bear.

Sale Rates[]

Main article: Sale Rates

Skinning[]

Main article: Skinning

Hunting Challenges[]

Hunting
Main article: Master Hunter Challenges
Main article: Master Hunter Challenges (Multiplayer)
Main article: Master Hunter Challenges in Redemption 2

Hunting Challenges, which can be done both as part of the single player experience and in multiplayer Free Roam sessions, will reward the player for hunting down and killing set amounts of the most dangerous animals. In single-player, Marston will hunt and skin many animals in his quest to be a Master Hunter.

Hunting Grounds[]

Main article: Hunting Grounds

The Liars and Cheats DLC adds four hunting grounds to Free Roam in Multiplayer.

Tips and Tricks[]

Red Dead Redemption[]

  • The Rolling Block Rifle and Carcano Rifle are both exceptional scout weapons when hunting aggressive wild game, due to their ability to project a light on the rim of the scope that can point out the location of aggressive NPC's. By either periodically checking or holding the scope up while hunting or wandering through common spawn areas of aggressive animals the player can gain immediate notification if an aggressive animal spawns, since a light pointing to them will instantly show up on the scope once they do appear. This can be very useful when dealing with stealthy and highly lethal animals such as the bear or cougar, preventing random surprise attacks completely.
  • When hunting dangerous animals, such as Bears, Cougars, etc. It is wise to use a broken wild horse, as you can whistle immediately for a new horse if yours dies.
  • Hunting bears can be frustrating. The easiest way to avoid being killed is to hunt them while driving some sort of wagon or stagecoach. Not only do the bears not attack you, they actually run away. This makes for a very easy and safe kill. Then you can pull the wagon up next to the dead bear, skin it, and get back on the wagon where you are once again immune to attacks. Anything that is pulled by a horse works for this trick, including the small carts. The biggest challenge with using this method is trying to avoid obstacles when riding in Tall Trees.
  • If you are completing your Master Hunter Challenges and have unlocked the Expert Hunter Outfit it is advised that you wear this as you will gain twice the amount of provisions when skinning. So you profit from the extra provisions and complete your hunter challenges.
  • When hunting dangerous animals, if you are about to be killed, select your campsite item in your 'kit' list, then you should be sitting in your campsite untouched and alive. You will not be able to set up camp if the ground is uneven, if there are too many trees nearby or if you are by the water.
  • As an alternative to the above, always keep your weapon drawn when exploring locations where hostile animals spawn. If you're about to be attacked, go into Dead-Eye right before the animal makes contact. Doing so will bestow Marston and any mount he is riding with instant near-invulnerability until disabled, and will keep Marston from being knocked down by a Cougar or Bear strike, avoiding double taps in the process. (Struck once, struck again while on the ground.)
  • Spending a day in Tall Trees while wearing the Expert Hunter Outfit can be extremely prosperous. Due to the large amount of animals in the area the player can kill dozens of animals and gain twice the provisions with the outfit. Selling the items to merchants can reward the player with around $5,000.

Red Dead Redemption 2[]

  • Explosive cartridges are the most suitable ammunition type for hunting Legendary Animals as their pelt cannot be damaged by any means. In other hand, players should avoid using this ammunition type when hunting normal animals because it is too powerful and will damage the pelt.
  • A bow is a versatile weapon in hunting, because players can quickly switch between arrow types in response to different animals.
    • Its arrows are also recoverable (except for a dynamite arrow).
    • The bow itself will not be degraded in any situations. This makes it a logical weapon in the case that players must wade through waist-high water or swamps for a long period.
  • The key to preserve the quality of the pelts is killing an animal in one shot, because shooting the same animal multiple times will decrease the quality of the pelts. Beside selecting the appropriate weapons, players should aim for weak spots of animals (Head, Lung, etc.) which will kill them instantly.
  • Varmint Rifle is good for hunting small and moderate size animals. It also can possibly kills medium size animals with a well placed shot.
    • However, it is still too powerful for very small animals such as Squirrels, Chipmunk, Blue Jay etc. To hunt those animals, A bow with Small Game Arrows is the best choice.
  • Unless they are hunting a massive size animal, players should avoid using shotguns due to their devastating power at close range.
  • Some animals can be hunted by using a lasso and a knife. To do so, players need to lasso an animal, drag it towards them, and then kill the animal with a knife. Animals which can be hunted with this method are, for example, Deer, Elk, Pronghorn and Ram.
  • Smaller pelts, such as badger and muskrat pelts, are stored in the player's satchel when skinned, and will not degrade.
    • Additionally, the carcasses of birds and squirrels will be stored in the player's satchel and will not decompose either.

Bonus Downloadable Outfits[]

HuntingRewards
RDR hunting expert

Expert Hunter Outfit: This was one of the contenders for the outfit pre-order bonus along with the Deadly Assassin Outfit and the Savvy Merchant Outfit. The voting ended February 15, 2010 and the Deadly Assassin outfit was named the winner. However, Rockstar revealed that this outfit and its required challenges would be released as DLC (Downloadable Content) for free in Summer 2010 for all platforms, being released along with the Savvy Merchant Outfit on October 12, 2010. This outfit, when worn, allows you to receive double the amount of skins & hides from hunting. That makes it very useful for quick hunting.

Achievements and Trophies[]

These Trophies/Achievementsinvolve the hunting and/or skinning of animals:

Rdr bearly legal
5 gamerscoregamerscore
Bronze bronzebronze
Kill and skin 18 Grizzly Bears.

Unnaturalselection
20 gamerscoregamerscore
Bronze bronzebronze
Kill 1 of every animal species in the game in any game mode.

Manifestdestiny
5 gamerscoregamerscore
Bronze bronzebronze
Kill the last buffalo in the Great Plains in singleplayer.

Rdr frontiersman
20 gamerscoregamerscore
Bronze bronzebronze
Obtain Legendary rank in any Single Player Ambient Challenge.

Redeemed
100 gamerscoregamerscore
Gold goldgold
Attain 100% in the Single Player Game Completion stat.


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