You just bagged the Legendary Bear. It’s huge. It’s heavy. Your horse is definitely struggling under the weight of that massive pelt, and honestly, you're probably wondering where the heck you're supposed to take it. You check your map. Nothing. You head to a butcher in Valentine, and he basically tells you he can't do anything special with it.
That’s because you need the Trapper.
In Red Dead Redemption 2, the Trapper is the only guy who can turn those legendary skins and perfect pelts into high-end gear. But here is the thing: he’s a mountain man. He doesn’t like staying in one place, and if you haven’t physically ridden past his wilderness stalls, they won’t even show up on your map. It's kinda annoying, but it's part of the immersion.
The Five Main Red Dead Trapper Locations
There are actually five places where this guy sets up shop. Most players only find the one in the big city and then spend half their playtime riding across three states just to sell a wolf skin. Don't do that.
1. The Saint Denis Market Stall
This is the only permanent, brick-and-mortar location. You'll find it in the outdoor market in the eastern part of Saint Denis. Look for the big red mural on the wall advertising biscuits. It's crowded, loud, and honestly, a bit of a pain to navigate with a horse, but it’s the most reliable spot if you’re already in Lemoyne.
2. Roanoke Ridge (New Hanover)
This one is tucked away in the woods. It’s northeast of Emerald Ranch and directly west of the Elysian Pool. If you’re hunting near Annesburg or looking for the Legendary Elk, this is your go-to spot. It’s a small, wooden lean-to that looks like it’s about to fall over, but the Trapper is always there, rain or shine.
3. Big Valley (West Elizabeth - The Far West)
This is arguably the most useful spot for serious hunters. It’s located at the absolute western edge of the map, north of Lake Owanjila. Basically, just follow the river north from the lake until you hit the hills. It’s right on the border of the playable area. Since this region is crawling with grizzlies, cougars, and wolves, having a Trapper right there saves you a massive trip.
4. Riggs Station (West Elizabeth - The Central Spot)
If you’re still early in the game and hanging out near Strawberry or the Horseshoe Overlook camp, go here. He’s on top of a hill just northeast of Riggs Station. You can actually see the train tracks from his stall. It’s a great central hub for selling pelts from the Heartlands or the Great Plains.
5. Tall Trees (New Austin/West Elizabeth Border)
Spoiler warning for those still in the early chapters: You can't get here until the Epilogue. This stall is southwest of Manzanita Post, right under the "S" in the Tall Trees caption on the map. It’s deep in the woods where the Skinners roam, so watch your back when you're browsing the inventory.
Why the Trapper Icon Disappears
Have you ever opened your map and noticed the red dead trapper locations you previously found are just... gone?
It happens. Usually, it’s because you have a bounty or you’re currently being hunted by lawmen. The Trapper doesn't want any trouble. If you bring a shootout to his front door, he’ll literally pack up and leave. He also "closes" at night sometimes, or more accurately, you can't interact with him if you've recently caused a ruckus nearby. Just ride away, sleep for a few hours, and he’ll pop back up.
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Selling vs. Crafting: Don't Panic
A lot of people worry about "losing" their legendary pelts. Here is the deal: if you die while a legendary pelt is on your horse, it’s gone from your inventory, but it automatically goes to the Trapper. You lose the money from the initial sale, but he still has the "material" so you can craft the unique clothing.
For regular perfect pelts (3-star), you must physically deliver them.
- Step 1: Kill a 3-star animal with the right weapon (usually a Varmint Rifle for small stuff or a Bolt Action for big game).
- Step 2: Skin it.
- Step 3: Sell it to the Trapper.
- Step 4: Now that he has the "stock," you can buy the specific clothing item that requires that pelt.
Pro Tip for Master Hunters
If you're tired of riding back and forth, focus on the Legendary Buck first. It's located in the northwest of Big Valley. Once you kill it, take the antler to a Fence (not the Trapper!) to craft the Buck Antler Trinket. This item "buffs" the quality of pelts you get from skinning, making it way easier to get those 3-star skins the Trapper demands.
Getting the red dead trapper locations memorized is basically a requirement if you want Arthur to look like anything other than a greasy outlaw in a basic duster. Start with the Riggs Station and Saint Denis spots, as they cover most of your early-game needs without requiring a trek into the deep wilderness.
Next Steps for Your Hunt:
- Head to the Riggs Station location first to unlock the icon on your map.
- Check the "Garment Sets" menu at any stall to see exactly which animals you need to track down next.
- Prioritize the Legendary Buck hunt to make every future hunt more rewarding.