Alright partner, let's talk about one of the most reliable ways to stock up on pelts and meat in Red Dead Redemption: hunting raccoons. I've spent countless nights out on the plains and in the woods, and I can tell you firsthand that these little bandits are some of the easiest game to bag. They move slow, they're pretty distinctive with that ringed tail and mask, and once they get spooked? Oh boy, that high-pitched shriek gives them away every single time. Perfect for a hunter looking for a steady supply of resources without too much fuss. Plus, if you're aiming for that prestigious Rank 6 in the Master Hunter Challenges, you need five of their pelts, along with five foxes and five skunks. Trust me, knowing where and when to find raccoons is half the battle won.
🌙 Timing is Everything: Embrace the Night
First things first: forget high noon. Raccoons are creatures of the night, pure and simple. The golden hours for hunting them stretch from dusk right through until dawn. Trying to find them reliably during the bright daylight is like looking for a needle in a haystack – frustrating and mostly pointless. Plan your hunts for the evening or early morning hours, and you'll instantly up your chances. I always make sure my lantern is fueled and my patience is topped off before heading out.
📍 My Go-To Raccoon Hunting Grounds (Tested & Trusted!)
Over the years, I've mapped out the most consistent spots across the territory. These aren't just guesses; these are places I've returned to again and again with success. Pack some bait, keep your varmint rifle handy (a clean headshot keeps that pelt perfect), and head to these locations after dark or in the very early morning (think 4 AM to 6 AM):
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Oddfellow's Rest: Don't let the spooky vibe put you off. That graveyard? It's practically crawling with raccoons (and rabbits) once the sun goes down. Creepy, but effective.
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Beecher's Hope & Environs: Check right in front of the pavilion, west of the main house. Also, just south of Beecher's Hope in the pre-dawn light (around 4-6 AM) is surprisingly productive.
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Armadillo & South: This dusty town holds secrets! Look behind the stagecoach in the grassy patch – you might find skunks there too. Explore the back alleys at night. Also, head south of Armadillo itself, specifically between the two road paths marked on your map. Good open ground there.
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Tanner's Reach: Need a surefire method? Place some bait in that large open area by the river, south of the town. It's like ringing the dinner bell for raccoons.
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Tall Trees: Head to the northern part of Tall Trees. The dense woods here offer good cover for them (and for you stalking them).
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Nosalida: Stick to the left side of the circular road as you ride around. They tend to hug that edge.
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Tanner's Span: Keep your eyes peeled near the 'e' on the map where the town name is written. It's a specific but reliable little nook.
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The Plains: The vast areas west of the Wreck of the Serendipity and north of Thieves' Landing are prime raccoon real estate. Plenty of open space to spot them.
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Manzanita Post: This is a hotspot! Raccoons frequently cross the train tracks right at the station, especially between 7 PM and 1 AM. Also, check behind the cabins under cover of darkness.
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MacFarlane's Ranch Area: Explore west of the ranch itself, near Pike's Basin. Also, scout around Warthington Ranch (south of MacFarlane’s) and west of MacFarlane's Ranch in general.
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Tumbleweed: Don't neglect the area around the Mansion at night. The grounds are a favorite haunt. Similarly, check around the Brittlebrush Trawl.
🎯 Hunting Strategy: Keep It Simple, Keep It Quiet
Raccoons aren't cunning predators; they're scavengers. This works to our advantage.
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Patience & Stealth: Move slowly, use cover (trees, rocks, buildings), and crouch when getting close. Their eyesight isn't amazing, but they hear well. That distinctive shriek means they've heard you – time to freeze or take the shot quickly!
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The Right Tool: The Varmint Rifle is absolutely essential. It's designed for small game like this and, with a well-placed shot (aim for the head or vital area), guarantees a perfect pelt every time. Using a repeater or revolver is just asking for damaged goods.
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Bait Can Help: If you're struggling in a particular spot like Tanner's Reach, dropping some Potent Predator Bait can lure them out into the open. It's not always necessary, but it's a useful trick in your satchel.
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Eagle Eye is Your Friend: Use Eagle Eye frequently to scan the area. Raccoons glow a distinct gold/orange, making them much easier to spot in tall grass or low light against the blue/green environment.
| Quick Location Reference Table | Best Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oddfellow's Rest (Graveyard) | Night | Also good for rabbits |
| Beecher's Hope (Pavilion West / South) | Night / Pre-Dawn (4-6 AM) | Two reliable spots close together |
| Armadillo (Behind Stagecoach / Back Alleys / South) | Night | Watch for skunks too! |
| Manzanita Post (Train Tracks / Behind Cabins) | 7 PM - 1 AM | Very consistent station crossing |
| The Plains (W. of Serendipity / N. of Thieves' Landing) | Night | Wide open spaces |
| Tumbleweed (Mansion / Brittlebrush Trawl) | Night | Explore the perimeter |
💪 Why Bother? The Rewards!
Beyond the Master Hunter Challenge requirement, raccoon pelts are genuinely useful. They fetch a decent price at the butcher, and the meat is good for keeping Arthur or John's cores topped up while out on the trail. It's efficient hunting – low risk, decent reward, and plentiful targets if you know where to look. Getting those five perfect pelts for the challenge becomes a breeze once you've got this rhythm down. So saddle up when the sun dips low, head to one of these spots, listen for that tell-tale shriek, and bag yourself some perfect pelts. Happy hunting!