Red Dead Redemption 2: Mastering Challenge 7 – Bait and Switch!

The Master Hunter Challenge 7 in Red Dead Redemption 2 tasks you with a simple, yet potentially frustrating objective: Use bait to lure and kill both a herbivore and a predator. This means you’ll need to strategically place bait, patiently wait for your target to arrive, and then deliver a clean, lethal shot. It sounds easy enough, but the wilderness of Red Dead is unpredictable.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering Challenge 7

Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively complete this challenge:

1. Acquire Bait: You’ll need both Herbivore Bait and Predator Bait. You can craft these at a campfire:
   • Herbivore Bait: Requires 1x Vanilla Flower, 1x Violet Snowdrop, and 1x Bay Bolete.
   • Predator Bait: Requires 1x Stringy Meat and 1x Raspberry.
   • Alternatively, you can purchase bait from general stores or the bait shop in Lagras.
2. Choose Your Hunting Grounds: Select areas known for high animal activity. For herbivores, areas near fields or forests where deer and rabbits roam are ideal. For predators, consider areas like Roanoke Ridge (for wolves) or around the Kamassa River (for coyotes). The trick is to find areas where both herbivores and predators are found.
3. Placement is Key: Find a spot with good visibility and cover. You need to be able to see your target approach the bait, and you need a place to conceal yourself effectively. Bushes, rocks, or elevated ledges work well.
4. Lay the Bait: Equip the Herbivore Bait or Predator Bait and throw it a short distance away. Avoid throwing it too far, as this could spook the animals.
5. Conceal Yourself: Immediately after placing the bait, crouch and move to your chosen hiding spot. Ensure you have a clear line of sight to the bait.
6. Patience is a Virtue: Wait for an animal to approach the bait. This can take time, so be patient. Animals will often circle the bait cautiously before approaching.
7. The Perfect Shot: Once the animal is close to the bait (ideally sniffing or eating it), take your shot. A headshot is recommended for a clean kill. Use Dead Eye to slow down time and ensure accuracy. A rifle is usually the best choice for both herbivore and predator kills, but a bow with improved arrows can also work for quieter hunting.
8. Repeat for the Other Animal: After successfully killing either a herbivore or predator, repeat the process for the other type of animal using the appropriate bait. If you spooked the other animals in the area, move to a new location a short distance away and try again.
9. Skin the Animal: After each successful kill, remember to skin the animal to complete the challenge parameters.

Pro Tips for Success

• Wind Direction: Pay attention to the wind direction to avoid your scent alerting animals to your presence.
• Time of Day: Some animals are more active during certain times of the day. Coyotes, for example, are often more active at night.
• Save Your Progress: Save your game before attempting the challenge. This allows you to reload if things go wrong.
• Consider Using Cover Scent: Use cover scent to mask your scent further when hiding. This will increase the chance of animals approaching the bait without being spooked.

FAQs: Mastering Red Dead Redemption 2’s Master Hunter Challenge 7

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you conquer Master Hunter Challenge 7:

1. What types of animals count as herbivores for this challenge? Any plant-eating animal will count as a herbivore. Deer, rabbits, elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep are all good choices.
2. What types of animals count as predators? Animals that primarily hunt and kill other animals are considered predators. This includes coyotes, wolves, foxes, and cougars.
3. Does the type of weapon matter? While any weapon can be used, a rifle is generally recommended for its accuracy and range. A bow with improved arrows can also be effective, especially for stealth.
4. Can I use a horse to complete this challenge? No, you cannot be on your horse when killing the animal. You need to be on foot and concealed near the bait.
5. Do I have to skin the animal immediately? Yes, skinning the animal after the kill is necessary for the challenge to register as complete for that animal type.
6. What if I accidentally kill two herbivores (or predators) in a row? You’ll need to find a new location to hunt the other type of animal. Try moving to a different area with a known population of the animal you still need.
7. Where is the best place to find both herbivores and predators? Areas like the Heartlands or Scarlett Meadows offer a good mix of both types of animals. Look for areas near forests and open fields.
8. Can I use Dead Eye to help with the shot? Absolutely! Dead Eye is highly recommended for ensuring a clean, accurate shot, especially on smaller or faster-moving animals.
9. Is there a specific time of day that is best for this challenge? There is no specific best time, but some animals are more active during certain times. For example, coyotes are often more active at night, while deer are more active during dawn and dusk.
10. What happens if I spook the animals? If you spook the animals, they will run away. You can either try to track them down, or simply move to a new location and try again.
11. Can I use dynamite to kill the animals? No, you must kill the animals with a firearm or bow. Using explosives will not count towards the challenge.
12. Do I have to kill two different species of animals? No, you can kill two deer for the herbivore requirement, or two coyotes for the predator requirement, as long as you use bait for both kills.
13. How do I know if the challenge has registered? The game will typically display a notification on the screen after you successfully kill and skin each animal type. You can also check your progress in the Challenges menu.
14. Can I complete this challenge in the epilogue? Yes, you can complete this challenge as either Arthur Morgan or John Marston.
15. What are the benefits of completing the Master Hunter Challenges? Completing the Master Hunter Challenges unlocks various rewards, including increased inventory capacity and the ability to craft unique items. Engaging with these challenges also deepens your understanding of the game’s world and encourages strategic gameplay, as highlighted by research from the Games Learning Society, available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Remember to be patient, strategic, and observant. Happy hunting!