In the vast, untamed world of Red Dead Redemption, few creatures are as elusive and valuable as the humble beaver. For the dedicated hunter, whether driven by the need for premium pelts or the completion of the enigmatic "Deadalus and Son" Stranger mission, the pursuit of these animals is a rite of passage. Their pelts command one of the highest prices in the West, a fact that makes the hunt worthwhile despite the abundance of common predators like cougars and wolves. Yet, the journey is not for the faint of heart. The mission itself demands a hefty toll: five perfect Beaver Furs, ten Red Sage plants, and twenty Feathers. While the latter two can be gathered with relative ease across the states, securing those pristine beaver pelts presents a unique and formidable challenge, testing a gunslinger's patience, skill, and survival instincts against the wilds of West Elizabeth.
Before setting out on this lucrative expedition, every aspiring trapper must heed two critical truths. First, beavers are not found roaming the dusty plains of New Austin or the snowy peaks of Tall Trees proper; their domain is exclusively the riverbanks and waterways of West Elizabeth. Second, and perhaps more importantly, one must come prepared for a fight. These prime hunting grounds are seldom peaceful. Leveling up your Dead Eye ability is not a suggestion—it's a necessity for survival. The river's edge is a favorite haunt not just for beavers, but for grizzly bears, wolf packs, and all manner of dangerous wildlife. A keen eye, a steady hand, and a readiness for sudden violence are the hunter's most vital tools.
Here is a definitive breakdown of the top beaver hunting locations, ranked for efficiency, safety, and profit:
| Location | Key Features | Primary Dangers | Profit & Mission Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wreck of the Serendipity 🥇 | Hilly terrain near Thieves' Landing, high beaver density. | Bandits, manageable wildlife. | Excellent for farming pelts and money. Best overall spot. |
| Great Plains (North) 🥈 | River borders, cliffs near Blackwater. Easy to reset spawns. | Wolves, occasional predators. | Great for consistent hunting. Runner-up for efficiency. |
| Beecher's Hope 🥉 | Open spaces bordering Tall Trees & Great Plains. | Frequent wolf packs. | Good for multi-species hunting. Fill purse with wolf pelts too. |
| Aurora Basin ⚠️ | Located in Tall Trees region. | Grizzly bears are common. | High-risk, manageable only with top-tier weapons and high Dead Eye. |
🥇 Champion's Choice: Wreck of the Serendipity
This location reigns supreme for the serious frontiersman. The hilltop area boasts a remarkably high concentration of beavers, allowing for efficient harvesting of those valuable pelts. Its proximity to Thieves' Landing provides a convenient nearby point to sell goods and restock supplies, making it an ideal loop for farming. However, the area is notoriously lawless. Bandit ambushes are a constant threat. A pro tip for veterans: equipping the Bandito outfit can sometimes ease tensions with the local outlaws, letting you focus on the hunt. The combination of high yield, manageable animal threats (compared to grizzlies), and a nearby settlement solidifies this as the top-tier spot in 2026.
🥈 The Reliable Runner-Up: Great Plains
North of the Great Plains, where the land meets the river, offers a vast and productive hunting ground. Following the cliffs provides excellent sightlines, and the area to the north of Blackwater is particularly fruitful. The strategy here is one of persistence and resetting. By utilizing the game's save and reload function, hunters can effectively "reset the day," causing new beavers to spawn along the riverbanks. This method, while requiring more travel, provides a very reliable and somewhat safer alternative to the more hostile Serendipity area.
Other Notable Locations
While the spots above are the most efficient, the determined hunter can find beavers in other scenic, if less dense, areas along West Elizabeth's rivers:
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Nekoti Rock
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Tanner's Span
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Bearclaw Camp
These locations can offer a change of scenery and are worth checking if the primary spots feel over-hunted during a long session.
Final Wisdom for the Hunt 🎯
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Weapon of Choice: Always use a rifle with a scope or a bow with improved arrows for a clean kill. A damaged pelt is a wasted opportunity.
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The Art of the Approach: Beavers are skittish. Use cover, move slowly, and let your Dead Eye do the work for a perfect shot.
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Eyes on the Horizon: Never get so focused on the water that you forget to scan the trees and brush. A grizzly or wolf pack can end your hunt prematurely.
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Mission Ready: Remember, for "Deadalus and Son," you need five perfect Beaver Furs. Quantity is less important than quality. Take your time to ensure each shot counts.
In the end, beaver hunting in Red Dead Redemption transcends a simple fetch quest. It is a test of a player's mastery over the game's ecosystems—a blend of patience, precision, and combat prowess. Whether your goal is to line your pockets with the highest-value pelts in the territory or to finally satisfy that mysterious stranger's request, the journey along the rivers of West Elizabeth promises adventure, danger, and the profound satisfaction of a successful hunt in one of gaming's most enduring frontiers. So, stock up on ammo, hone your Dead Eye, and head for the Wreck of the Serendipity. Your fortune—and your mission completion—awaits.