Exit Pursued by a Bruised Ego

It’s recommended to take this mission first since it will unlock several useful features like access to the Stables, getting the horse brush to clean your horse and increase its bonding level, and the Legendary Animals map which marks the general locations of various legendary animals. Talk to Hosea back in your camp to start this mission. Before leaving, Hosea will instruct you how to bond with you a new horse. Transfer your saddle to a new horse then follow him as you ride back to Valentine.

Once you reach the Stables, you’ll get the option to sell the Shire you’ve been riding on or store it for later use. You can only have up to 4 horses; before you can keep a new one, you have to sell one of your stored horses. For now, keep the shire and get the free Ardennes. You can also spend some cash to customize your saddle and your horse’s appearance but you can do this later. Once you got the new horse, leave the stable and follow Hosea as you ride to the mountain where the bear is located.

Since the ride was tiresome, you’ll have to set up camp near the lake. Hosea will then ask you to hunt a rabbit. Equip your bow and follow the rabbits on foot. Do what you learned from Charles and use your Eagle Eye to focus on the tracks of the animals and follow them while crouched. Rabbits aren’t particularly fast and agile either so you can follow them with your horse and shoot them while on horseback. Upon killing the rabbit, you can skin it then bring it back to Hosea. Once there, select the camp from your weapon wheel to set up camp. Refer to this guide’s camping section for more information about this important and useful feature.

While sitting in the camp fire, cook the meat and save some as provisions. After you’re done, sleep for the night. The next morning, you should be able to craft items from your camp. Create a Potent Predator Bait as instructed. Once done, leave the menu and tear down the camp. Get on your horse and follow Hosea again to the exact hunting spot.

Get off your horse and equip your longarm weapon. Use your eagle eye to find the first clue near a large boulder. Inspect it then use eagle eye to see the tracks. Follow it and inspect next clues until you find the perfect spot to lay down the bait. You’ll get the chance to decide whether you want to split up or place the bait in your location already. For this walkthrough, we have decided to place the bait.

Follow the instructions and place the bait on the marked spot. Hide behind the rock with Hosea and wait. Select your longarm (or your pistol if you forgot to bring it) The bear will not appear so follow Hosea as he inspects the bait. The bear will appear out of nowhere and you’ll have to force it to drive it away by shooting it. This will not kill it but will leave Hosea rattled. He will head back to camp and you’ll have the option to head back with him or stay to hunt the bear. Whatever you select, the mission will be complete. For convenience’s sake, you can choose to continue tracking down the Legendary Bear.

Video Walkthrough