You've just taken down that legendary bear with Hosea. Your horse is sagging under the weight of a pelt that looks like a small rug. You open the map, expecting a clear waypoint, and... nothing. No icon. No "sell here" sign. Honestly, the first time I played, I thought my game was glitched. But that’s just Red Dead. It doesn't hold your hand.
The Trapper is the most elusive businessman in the American Frontier. He doesn't have a franchise. He has five specific spots—some in the middle of nowhere, one in the middle of a city—and they only pop up on your map once you've physically stumbled upon them. If you’re tired of riding in circles around the Grizzlies with a rotting carcass on your saddle, let’s fix that.
rdr 2 trapper locations: Where to find him right now
Most players think there’s only one Trapper. In reality, he’s like a ghost that moves between five permanent stalls. You don't need to wait for him to "spawn" like a random event; he is always at all five locations simultaneously (video game logic, right?).
The Big City: Saint Denis
This is the easiest one to find because it’s the only one in a civilized area. Head to the far eastern side of Saint Denis. He’s located in the outdoor market, right near the docks and the fence. If you’ve got a massive bounty in the city, this spot is a nightmare. But if you’re clean, it’s the most convenient because you can hit the Trapper, the Fence, and the Post Office all in one go.
The Hillside: Riggs Station
This is my personal favorite. Just a short ride northeast of Riggs Station (which is west of Flatneck Station), you’ll find him sitting on a hill. It’s a great central spot if you’re hunting around the Heartlands or the Upper Montana River. Plus, it’s a beautiful view.
The Wilderness: Big Valley (Northwest of Strawberry)
If you follow the road northwest out of Strawberry, past Lake Owanjila, and keep heading toward the very edge of the map, you’ll find him in the woods. This is deep in "Cougar and Grizzly" territory. It’s perfect for when you’re hunting in the Black Bone Forest and don't want to trek all the way back to civilization.
The Deep Woods: Roanoke Ridge (New Hanover)
This one is tucked away in the northeast. Look west of the Elysian Pool or northeast of Emerald Ranch. He’s basically perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. If you're hunting the Legendary Beaver or Moose, this is your guy. Just watch out for the Murfree Brood; they aren't fond of tourists.
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The Epilogue Spot: Tall Trees
You won't be able to reach this one comfortably as Arthur Morgan for... reasons. Located in the southwest region of West Elizabeth, he sits just west of the "S" in Tall Trees on your map. It’s near the Lower Montana River. It’s a gloomy, foggy area, but essential if you’re completing the endgame garment sets.
Why you can't see the Trapper on your map
It's a common frustration. You know he's there, but the "paw" icon is missing.
Usually, this happens because you haven't "discovered" that specific stall yet. Unlike general stores, Trapper stalls remain hidden by the "fog of war" on your map until you get within a certain radius.
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Another reason? The Trapper has a life. Sort of. If you cause trouble near his stall—like shooting a bird too close to him or leading a pack of bounty hunters to his doorstep—he’ll literally pack up and leave. The icon will disappear and be replaced with a "Locked" symbol. If that happens, just ride away, sleep for 24 hours in a camp, and he’ll be back, probably grumbling about the "undesirables" ruining the neighborhood.
What should you sell vs. keep?
Don't just dump everything for cash. The Trapper is a craftsman, not just a butcher.
If you have a Legendary Pelt, you MUST sell it to him. You can’t use it anywhere else. Once you sell it, it stays in his "inventory" forever, allowing him to craft those ridiculous animal-head hats whenever you have the extra materials.
For regular animals, only "Perfect" (3-star) pelts are worth bringing to him. 1-star and 2-star pelts are basically trash—give those to Pearson at camp for stew or sell them to a local butcher for a few cents. The Trapper only deals in the high-end stuff.
Essential Tips for the Hunt
- Don't skin the Legendary Bear immediately. If you're feeling brave, you can haul the whole carcass to him for a slightly higher payout, though most just take the pelt.
- The Post Office is your friend. If you’re way out in the sticks and don't want to ride, you can actually mail certain legendary parts (like teeth or paws) for trinket crafting, but the pelts have to be hand-delivered.
- Check the requirements. Before you go hunting, look at his "Garment Sets" menu. It’ll tell you exactly what you need. Sometimes you need a "Perfect Rabbit Pelt" and a "Legendary Fox Pelt" to make one pair of boots.
If you’re looking to maximize your time, start by unlocking the Riggs Station location first. It’s the most accessible early-game spot that doesn't involve navigating the crowded, law-heavy streets of Saint Denis.
The next time you're out near Strawberry, take the ten-minute detour to the far west. Finding that stall early will save you hours of riding later when you finally bag that 3-star Cougar you've been tracking. Once you've visited all five, the icons stay on your map forever, making your life as a frontier mountain man significantly less stressful.
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Next Steps for Your Playthrough:
- Visit the Saint Denis market to see the full list of craftable saddles; these offer better stamina drain stats than most store-bought gear.
- Head to the Riggs Station Trapper with at least one Perfect Deer Pelt to start upgrading your basic hunting outfit.
- Clear the "fog" around the Roanoke Ridge location now, so you don't have to hunt for it while carrying a heavy Legendary Moose pelt later.