How to Get a Perfect Squirrel in RDR2: Locations & Hunting Guide

Getting a Perfect Squirrel in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be surprisingly tricky. Squirrels are small, fast and easy to overlook, and using the wrong weapon can quickly ruin their quality.

To get a Perfect Squirrel carcass in RDR2, look for a three-star squirrel and use a Bow with Small Game Arrows for a clean kill. If you’re hunting one for the Ingredients Satchel, make sure you keep the Perfect Squirrel Carcass, as Pearson requires the whole animal for the upgrade.

Here’s where to find squirrels and how to get a perfect-quality kill.

Where to Find Squirrels in RDR2

Squirrels can be found in abundance in forested and grassy areas across the map. The best way to ensure you have more encounters is to explore the map. Look for the squirrel marker on your map:

You will find squirrels in multiple locations across the map. They are easy to find, but difficult to hunt.

How to Get a Perfect Squirrel Carcass

You’ll notice that every time you go squirrel hunting in RDR2 with guns, you’ll end up degrading the quality of the pelt, missing out on the 3-starred perfect pelt. And even with a Varmint Rifle, it’ll degrade the squirrel carcass.

What you need are specialised arrows to hunt these tiny critters called Small Game Arrows. This works perfectly for animals smaller than a rabbit. So we’re talking squirrels and other small rodents.

How to Craft Small Game Arrows

1. Open your item wheel or set up a wilderness camp.
2. Select the crafting option.
3. Tab over or scroll to the Ammunition category.
4. Find Small Game Arrow and select craft.

Small Game Arrow Materials

You’ll need a couple of things to craft these arrows. Collect materials as below:

• Flight Feather x1
• Arrows x1
• Shotgun Shells – Regular x1

Flight Feather – Flight Feathers can be obtained from many flying birds, including ducks, geese, eagles and herons.

Arrows – Purchase from the gun store.

Shotgun Shells – Purchase from the gun store.

What Is a Perfect Squirrel Carcass Used For?

Perfect Squirrel Carcass have several uses in RDR2, including satchel upgrades and crafting clothing at the Trapper.

Ingredients Satchel

The Ingredients Satchel requires a Perfect Squirrel Carcass, not just the pelt.

Once you’ve killed a three-star squirrel with a Small Game Arrow, keep the carcass intact and donate it to Pearson alongside a Perfect Deer Pelt and Perfect Badger Pelt.

Check our Ingredients Satchel upgrade guide for the full unlock requirements and materials.

Trapper Clothing

Perfect Squirrel Carcass can also be taken to the Trapper and used to craft several clothing items, including the Cougar Cutaway Coat, Legendary Alligator Fowlers and Squirrel Flat Cap.

Some recipes require multiple Perfect Squirrel Carcasses, so it can be worth collecting more than one while you’re hunting them.

More RDR2 Perfect Pelt Guides

• How to Get a Perfect Bison Pelt in RDR2
• How to Get a Perfect Panther Pelt in RDR2