Use the right weapon for the animal size
Aim for a clean headshot or vital shot
Check the animal’s quality before hunting
Only hunt 3-star animals for perfect pelts
Use binoculars or the rifle scope to study the animal
Make sure the animal is not already damaged
Avoid explosive, incendiary, or poison ammo
Avoid repeated shots
Use the correct arrow type for small and medium animals
Use a rifle for larger animals
Use a varmint rifle for small game
Use a bow with improved arrows for many medium animals
Use a rifle with regular ammo for many large animals
Track the animal and approach carefully
Stay out of sight to avoid spooking it
Use cover scent lotion if needed
Kill the animal quickly to prevent damage
Skin the animal immediately after the kill
Do not run over the carcass with a horse
Do not let the carcass fall into water
Do not drag the carcass
Check the pelt quality after skinning
Hunt in good weather and daylight for easier tracking
Use Dead Eye for precise shots
Study the animal in the compendium to learn the best weapon
Use the trapper or Pearson only with perfect pelts
Save before hunting rare animals
Reload if the pelt is damaged or downgraded