# Which weapon for which animal in RDR2?

> Match the weapon to the animal's size: varmint rifle or small game arrows for small game, a bow or rifle for medium, and big rifles for large game.

In Red Dead Redemption 2 the right weapon depends on the animal's size class. Use small game arrows or the varmint rifle for small animals (snakes, rats, songbirds, squirrels), the varmint rifle for moderate ones such as rabbits, a bow with regular arrows for medium animals like foxes and coyotes, and a rifle or improved arrows for large and massive animals: deer, pronghorn, wolves, elk, bears and bison. A clean one-shot kill with the right weapon on a three-star animal gives a perfect pelt or carcass.

## Weapon by animal size

| Size class | Examples | Recommended weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Snakes, rats, songbirds, squirrels | Small game arrows or varmint rifle |
| Moderate | Rabbits and similar | Varmint rifle |
| Medium | Foxes, coyotes, beavers | Bow with regular arrows |
| Large | Deer, pronghorn, wolves, boars | Rifle (Springfield, Bolt Action, Rolling Block) or improved arrows |
| Massive | Elk, moose, bears, bison, alligators | Heavy rifle or improved arrows |

The animal's Compendium entry is the final word: once you study it, the entry names the exact recommended weapon.

## How to get a perfect pelt

1. **Study the animal first.** Look at it through binoculars or use Eagle Eye. This shows its quality (one to three stars) and adds the recommended weapon to your Compendium.
2. **Hunt only three-star animals.** A one- or two-star animal can never give a perfect pelt, no matter how clean the kill.
3. **Equip the recommended weapon** for that size class.
4. **Kill with one shot** to the head or heart. Dead Eye helps you place it. Every extra hit lowers the quality.
5. **Skin or carry it right away** and take it to a butcher, trapper or camp before it rots.

## What ruins pelts

Shotguns, explosive or fire ammo, dynamite, multiple hits and the wrong weapon class all reduce quality. Shooting a small animal with a heavy rifle usually leaves nothing usable.

## FAQ

**How do I check which weapon an animal needs?**
Study the animal with binoculars, then open the Animals section of the Compendium. The entry lists the recommended weapon.

**Can I use a bow for everything?**
Almost. Small game arrows cover small animals, regular arrows medium ones, and improved arrows large ones. Bows are also quiet, so you won't scare away nearby animals.

**Why did I get a poor pelt after a clean kill?**
Usually the animal itself was low quality (one or two stars), or you used the wrong weapon for its size.

**Is a shotgun good for hunting in RDR2?**
Not for pelts. It hits many spots at once and lowers the quality. Use it only for defense against predators.

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https://gamevoyages.com/which-weapon-for-which-animal-in-rdr2/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-31