Ever wondered if you can bag those pesky birds from a speeding train in Red Dead Redemption 2 without the law coming down on you? It’s a common question for players looking to complete challenges or simply add to their hunting trophies. The good news is, yes, it’s entirely possible to shoot birds from a moving train in RDR2 and avoid a bounty, but it requires a specific approach and understanding of the game’s mechanics.
This guide will walk you through the most effective strategies to successfully hunt avians from a train, ensuring you get your shots in without attracting unwanted attention from the Pinkertons. We’ll cover the best methods, optimal train routes, and essential gear to make this a smooth and profitable endeavor.
Understanding the Mechanics: Why Avoiding a Bounty Matters
When you commit a crime in Red Dead Redemption 2, such as shooting indiscriminately or harming civilians, a bounty is placed on your head in that particular state. This bounty increases the value of your capture, leading to more aggressive law enforcement and bounty hunters actively pursuing you. Hunting birds from a train often involves shooting in areas where there might be npcs present, or where the act itself could be perceived as reckless. The key to avoiding a bounty is to ensure your actions are not witnessed or reported by npcs.
Method 1: The “Safe Zone” Approach
This is perhaps the most straightforward method for shooting birds from a moving train without triggering a bounty. It relies on exploiting the game’s awareness system.
Choosing the Right Train Route
Not all train routes are created equal when it comes to bird hunting. You’ll want to select routes that traverse areas known for abundant bird populations and, crucially, areas with sparse NPC presence.
- New Hanover: Routes through the Heartlands and Roanoke Ridge are generally good. These areas have a variety of birds and large, open spaces where npcs are less concentrated.
- West Elizabeth: The train line west of Blackwater, particularly heading towards Manzanita Post, can also yield results, though this area can be more populated.
Utilizing Your Environment
The train itself provides a moving platform, but you need to be strategic.
- Positioning: Stand near the end of a train car or in an open-air section. This gives you a clearer line of sight and minimizes the chances of accidentally hitting another passenger.
- Timing Your Shots: Wait until the train is moving through a recognized hunting ground. Birds often fly in patterns or congregate near specific landmarks.
- Stealth is Key: If there are npcs in your car, try to shoot when they are looking away or are otherwise distracted. The game doesn’t always register your shots as crimes if no one directly witnesses them.
Gear Up for Success
The right equipment can make a significant difference.
- Rifles: A good rifle, like the Springfield or Bolt Action, is ideal for picking off birds at a distance.
- Scope: If you have a scope, it can greatly improve your accuracy.
- Ammunition: Bring plenty of regular rifle cartridges. Special ammo types are usually overkill for birds and can be more expensive.
Method 2: The “Distraction” Tactic
This method is a bit more advanced and involves creating a diversion to draw npcs’ attention away from your hunting activities.
Creating a Diversion
This can be done in several ways, though they carry a higher risk of accidentally incurring a bounty if not executed carefully.
- Rope Trick: If you’re feeling daring, you can carefully lasso an npc and drag them to the other side of the train car, or even briefly toss them off (though this is risky). This will likely draw the attention of other npcs, giving you a window to shoot. However, this is a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
- Strategic Combat: In some rare instances, if you can engineer a minor, contained conflict (like a bar fight that spills onto the train), you might get a moment of chaos where your actions go unnoticed. This is extremely difficult to orchestrate and not recommended for beginners.
When to Use This Method
This tactic is best employed when you’re on a longer, less populated train route and you’re struggling to find clear shots. It’s about creating a brief window of opportunity.
Method 3: The “Post-Stop” Strategy
This approach involves a slight modification of your train journey. Instead of staying on the train indefinitely, you strategically disembark or pause your journey.
Riding to a Known Hunting Spot
- Identify Hotspots: Research areas known for bird spawns that are accessible by train. For example, the area around O’Creagh’s Run or the Dakota River often have good bird activity.
- Ride the Train: Take the train to the nearest station or a point just before your chosen hunting ground.
- Disembark and Hunt: Get off the train and hunt birds in the area on foot. Once you’ve had your fill or completed your objective, you can whistle for your horse or catch the next train.
This method guarantees you won’t get a bounty for hunting from the train because you’re not actually hunting from the train. It’s a workaround that ensures legality and success.
Birds You Can Hunt from the Train
Several types of birds are commonly found and can be targeted from a moving train:
- Chickens: Found in ranches and farms, sometimes near train stations.
- Crows: Abundant in open fields and plains.
- Ravens: Often seen in rocky or mountainous areas.
- Ducks and Geese: Near water bodies, though harder to hit from a train unless the tracks run very close to the water.
- Quail: In grassy fields.
Tips for Maximizing Your Success
- Patience is Crucial: Bird hunting requires patience. Don’t rush your shots. Wait for the perfect opportunity.
- Aim for the Head: For clean kills and perfect carcasses, aim for the head. This is especially important if you intend to use the birds for crafting or selling.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re struggling with accuracy, spend some time at a shooting range or practice on stationary targets before attempting this on a moving train.
- Check Your Map: Keep an eye on your mini-map. It will alert you to any nearby npcs or lawmen that might spot your activities.
- Consider Time of Day: While birds are generally active throughout the day, some species might be more prevalent during dawn or dusk.
When All Else Fails: The “Just Take the Bounty” Option
If you’ve tried these methods and are still finding it too difficult or risky, sometimes the simplest solution is to accept that you might incur a small bounty. The cost of clearing a bounty is often less than the frustration of failing a challenge or missing out on valuable resources. Just be prepared to deal with the consequences if the law catches up to you.
Hunting birds from a moving train in RDR2 can be a rewarding experience, offering a unique challenge and a way to acquire resources efficiently. By understanding the game’s mechanics and employing the right strategies, you can successfully bag your feathered prey without the law breathing down your neck. Happy hunting!
