Hunting bison might not have been the first thing that came to mind when you became a virtual cowboy, but it isn't a bad pastime to have in Red Dead Online. It's a safe way to earn some cash, XP, and meat without taking part in any criminal activity. It might also pop up as a daily challenge from time to time, so it's crucial that you know where to hunt bison.
Despite travelling in large packs, it's very hard to find Bison amidst the sprawling fields of Red Dead Online. This guide will cover everywhere that you can expect to commonly find bison, so that you can tick off those daily challenges and get on with robbing trains and hunting bounties.
Updated on September 24, 2021, by Renan Fontes: Hunting is a core part of Red Dead Online's gameplay loop, but some animals can be a pain to track down – one of the most frustrating being the elusive bison. Bison are hard to hunt on a good day and it helps to know where to search to begin with. Even then, you might need to loop between a few different locations before RDO decides to award your patience with some bison. It's worth it in the long run, if only to use their parts for crafting.
How To Hunt Bison In Red Dead Online
When hunting bison, approach slowly. They will quickly run away when startled, making them very difficult to chase. Use a sniper rifle to headshot one and then focus on gathering material from that dead bison.
Let the others run away and settle in a new area before tracking the herd again, as this will give the remaining bison chance to calm down. This will make it easier to get headshots, ensuring that you don't need to waste time chasing an injured bison.
Where To Hunt Bison In Red Dead Online
Bison spawn locations are quite rare in Red Dead Online, so you might have to travel far to find them. The following areas are all known for their bison spawns:
Twin Stack Pass
If you've got a camp in the Heartlands, then this will be the easiest spot. South-West of Valentine, you will find the Twin Stack Pass area, named after the path that goes between two large rocks.
If you get on top of these rocks and use them as a vantage point, it's likely that you will spot some bison roaming around in the fields below.
Heartland Overflow
Between the Heartland Overflow and the Oil Fields, there is a large patch of countryside in which you will often find bison.
Don't go too close to either of these areas, as the bison tend to spawn in herds directly between the two named locations.
Emerald Ranch
One of the best places to hunt bison, Emerald Ranch situated in the Heartlands has a herd of them roaming around between the "H" and "A" in New Hanover on your map. When all else fails, check Emerald Ranch.
Flatneck Station
Another area known for its bison spawns is Flatneck Station, found in the South of the Heartlands near Bard's Crossing.
When you arrive at the Station, go to the Elimination Series marker to the East. You will often find bison wandering around in this area.
Great Plains
If you prefer to spend your time in the map from the original Red Dead Redemption, then you should head over to Blackwater in West Elizabeth.
South of Blackwater, you will find the Great Plains. Bison often spawn across the Eastern edge of the Great Plains, just outside of town.
Bison Drops
Bison drops three typs of loot: Bison Fur, Bison Horns, and Prime Beef. The Fur and Horns can be sold for a decent profit, whereas you'll want to hold onto the Prime Beef so you can cook it later.
Bison Recipes
Red Dead Redemption 2 has a unique cooking system that lets you cook together just about any meat you find in the wild. Prime Beef from a bison can be used to cook the Prime Beef Joint meal. You can also spice your meal with different herbs to influence what its effect will be.
Oregano influences Stamina, Thyme influences Dead Eye, and Wild Mint influences Health.