Red Dead Redemption 2 is arguably the best game of the last decade and has changed the way that many gamers view immersive free roam story-driven games. Red Dead Online, the online version, is holding its own as an up-and-coming masterpiece that may one day rival GTA Online.

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One aspect that makes the Wild West world of Red Dead Online so grand is its wide array of animals that can be admired and, for those who are so inclined, hunted; which is one of the lucrative ways for outlaws to earn cash. Some animals, however, are worth a lot more than others.

Updated April 30, 2021, by Thomas Bowen: There are a lot of different ways to make money in Red Dead Online, but it could be argued that none are quite as enjoyable as hunting. Each of the game's many animals requires a slightly different approach and taking them down without causing too much damage to their fur or carcass can provide an excellent challenge. It can also be incredibly lucrative, particularly if players know which animals to hunt. They do need to remain vigilant though, at least if they want to avoid becoming the one that's being hunted.

15 Fox ($2.25)

Foxes may not be particularly dangerous to players, but they are relatively small and also quite fast, which can make hunting them fairly frustrating at times. Thankfully, however, they go down fairly quickly once hit and can be easily killed with either arrows or a few repeater rounds.

As one of the more common creatures in the game, finding them shouldn't be particularly difficult, with Gaptooth Ridge being just about the only area that they don't spawn in. A perfect pelt will sell for $2.25, but those willing to haul off the carcass as well can earn an additional $4.50 if it's in good enough condition.

14 Whitetail Deer ($2.25)

The best way to take down a whitetail deer is from afar as they are incredibly timid creatures and will bolt at the first sign of danger. A well-placed arrow should do the trick, although guns and rifles can be equally effective if aimed well enough.

As with foxes, there aren't many locations that deer cannot be found, with New Austin being the main exception. They are a lot more common out East though, so those hunting specifically for deer should keep that in mind. A perfect hide is worth $2.25, while a perfect carcass can bring in an extra seven bucks.

13 Ox ($2.25)

Although many of the oxen found in the game are domesticated, killing them doesn't typically result in a lack of honor. That's not to say that ranchers won't still get upset though. These huge creatures can also become quite aggressive if they feel threatened, so players should have their rifle or bow at the ready.

Oxen are fairly rare when compared to some of the other animals in the game and can typically only be found at ranches and farms. In the right condition, their hides are worth $2.25, but they're far too big too haul away. Their horns are worth an addition $0.45 each though and they'll also reward players with some prime beef.

12 Bull ($2.50)

Wild bulls are incredibly rare in Red Dead Online and killing a penned bull is considered a crime. As such, players will need to lure the bull out of its pen to avoid falling foul of the law/ Due to how aggressive they are though, this is actually pretty easy. They're also quite durable, so heavy-hitting weapons and well-placed shots are a must.

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The best place to find bulls is in New Austin, with one available at MacFarlane's Ranch and another found near the Twin Rocks gang hideout. Like regular oxen, they're far too big to carry away, but their pelt is worth an extra $0.25. Sadly though, their horns are still only worth $0.45 despite being considerably more deadly.

11 Beaver ($2.50)

Beavers are typically diurnal creatures and so players shouldn't waste their time hunting for the critters at night. They're fairly easy to spot despite their small size, although this does present an issue when it comes to weapon choice. Larger weapons will completely obliterate a beaver and so bows, revolvers or repeaters are the best choice.

The only place that they can be found is in West Elizabeth, although they're fairly easy to come by there. The burned down log cabin near the Bearclaw Camp is a particularly good spot, as too is the river on the northern border of the Great Plains. In good condition, their pelts are worth $2.50 and their carcasses can sell for $5.25.

10 Bighorn Ram ($2.75)

Rams are overlooked as an animal worth hunting and skinning. Most outlaws of Red Dead Online are unaware of the value of bringing in a perfect Ram. A perfect Ram hide can earn an outlaw $2.75 and a perfect ram carcass is worth $7.50.

Rams can be hunted in New Austin at Gaptooth Ridge, in Cumberland Forest near Fort Wallace, and in Big Valley near Mount Shann. Bows with Improved Arrows or Poison Arrows are effective against Rams. 

9 Whitetail Buck ($3.25)

Whitetail Bucks are nearly everywhere in Red Dead Online. Whitetail deer are normally seen in groups, but the Whitetail Buck can often be found grazing alone. Like the does, however, they can be incredibly skittish and so a stealthy approach to hunting them is required.

The Whitetail Buck is very fast and gallops about sporadically when spooked. This can make it difficult to land a well-placed body shot that will not harm the pelt. A perfect Whitetail Buck pelt is worth $3.25, a perfect carcass is worth $10.00, and Buck Antlers are worth $1.05.

8 Alligator ($3.50)

Alligators are one of the largest predators in Red Dead Online. They can be found in the swamps of Lemoyne, Lagar, Blue Water Marsh, and near San Denis. The Bolt Action Rifle is the best weapon to use when hunting Alligator.

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If an outlaw uses Dead Eye when hunting an Alligator, the brain will glow red, giving players an opportunity to get a perfect pelt. A perfect Large Alligator Pelt is worth $3.50 at the butcher while its carcass can sell for as much as $6.50.

7 Black Bear ($3.50)

Although not as big as the Grizzly Bear, the American Black Bear is still dangerous enough to give an outlaw a run for their money. Black bears are spotted north of Annesburg regularly, and at times in Lemoyne near Shady Bell.

A high-powered rifle loaded with specialty ammo is the best combination to take one of these beasts down. It is recommended that a player keeps a Shotgun loaded with slugs handy, just in case things get out of hand. This will risk damaging its pelt though, which is worth $3.50 when in perfect condition.

6 Panther ($3.75)

It is true that Panthers are beautiful and majestic creatures, yet it is also true that they are deadly hunters. Panthers usually hunt at night and will attack a player’s horse in the blink of an eye. Panthers’ hunting grounds are in Lemoyne, east of Lagras, and in the area of Scarlett Meadows.

Perfect Panther Fur can be sold for $3.75, and a perfect carcass is worth $14.00. Even in poor condition, the latter is still worth $5.60 though, making the panther a great animal to hunt. Players should use a Bolt Action Rifle and Express Ammo while doing so to avoid unnecessarily damage.

5 Bison ($5.00)

The Bison is one of the largest herbivores roaming the Wild West of Red Dead Online. They are not often seen but are a nice haul if taken down. A perfect Bison Fur is worth $5.00 and its horns are worth an additional $0.60 each.

Bison can be found in the field of New Hanover west of Heartland Overflow, not far from Emerald Ranch. Bison also graze in southwest Elizabeth on Great Plains, southwest of Black Water.

4 Cougar ($5.00)

Hunting a Cougar can be a thrill ride for the experienced outlaw or a deadly endeavor for the unprepared. They can be found in New Austin near Gaptooth Ridge and south of Benedict Point. These mountain lions also live in West Elizabeth outside of Big Valley.

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Cougars are large and will most likely attack a player without any warning, so those hunting them would do well to stay on their toes. A perfect Cougar pelt is worth $5.00, and a perfect Cougar Carcass will net an outlaw $13.50.

3 Elk ($6.50)

Both male and female Elk can be hunted in Red Dead Online.  The Rocky Mountain Bull Elk and Cow Elk can be found in the snow-covered mountains of Ambriano. A perfect Elk pelt can be worth up to $6.50 and its Antlers are worth $1.35.

Sadly, Elk are too large to haul off the whole carcass. Elk are skittish, so it is best to use a sniper rifle from a distance in order to minimize the risk of them bolting. Other ranged weapons can be equally effective though.

2 Moose ($7.50)

Moose are extremely large and love the more arctic areas of Red Dead Online. Perfect Moose Fur can net an outlaw upwards of $7.50, and their huge antlers can be sold for $1.75. Moose are also a great food source, providing players with large portions of Mature venison.

High-powered rifles work very well against Moose and a head shot will generally ensure that players get a perfect fur. They're too big to carry away though, so there's no need to worry about damaging the carcass. Moose can be seen in the area around the Wapiti Indian Reservation.

1 Grizzly Bear ($7.50)

Grizzly Bears are fierce and are relentless in their pursuit of players who stumble upon them in the wilderness. Grizzlies are extremely territorial and aggressive. The best way to hunt this beast is to use Predator bait and stay out of their view.

If attacked, an outlaw’s chance of survival is slim to none and will definitely ruin the quality of the pelt in fighting back. Thankfully, a damaged pelt is still worth between $3.00 and $4.50, so there's still money to be made. A perfect Grizzly pelt, however, can be sold for $7.50 and the animal's claws are worth an extra $1.50.

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