The Hunter: Call of the Wild is a hunting simulation video game developed by Expansive Worlds and published by Avalanche Studios. In the game, players take on the role of a hunter tracking and hunting various animal species in large, open world environments.
One of the rarer animals that can be hunted in the game is the Mutant pheasant. This is a unique variant of the common pheasant that has distinctive features and provides a particular challenge for hunters in the game.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Mutant pheasant, discussing what makes it rare, where it can be found, tips for hunting this elusive bird, and what rewards successful hunters can expect.
What is the Mutant Pheasant?
The Mutant pheasant is a rare variant of the common pheasant species. While ordinary pheasants have rather dull brownish plumage, the Mutant pheasant is much more vividly colored.
It has bright golden-orange feathers on its body, wings, and tail. It also sports a fiery red facial mask. The Mutant pheasant’s vibrant plumage makes it stand out vividly against the greens and browns of its woodland habitat.
In addition to its distinctive coloring, the Mutant pheasant is larger than usual for its kind. A male Mutant pheasant can weigh up to 4-5 lbs, compared to 2-3 lbs for an ordinary male ring-necked pheasant.
The Mutant pheasant’s origins are something of a mystery. It may be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation within an isolated population of pheasants. The unique environment of the fictional reserves within the game may have contributed to the emergence of this rare color variant.
Behavior
In terms of behavior, the Mutant pheasant acts much like its common cousins. It spends most of its time on the ground, walking slowly while pecking at seeds and insects. When startled, it will burst into flight with a loud whirring of wings.
Male Mutant pheasants are highly territorial during the breeding season. They announce their presence with loud, repetitive crowing calls and will aggressively defend their turf against rival males. Outside of breeding season, Mutants may gather in small flocks.
The Mutant pheasant has similar habitat preferences to the common pheasant, sticking to open woodland, forest edges, meadows, and brushy fields. Their nests are simple scrapes on the ground lined with vegetation. Hens lay large clutches of around 12 eggs.
Rarity
Mutant pheasants are one of the rarest species in the game. They are classified as a four-star animal, indicating their exceptional scarcity.
There are only one or two areas on each reserve where Mutant pheasants consistently spawn. Even in these spots, they may only appear occasionally, and usually just a solitary male. The bright plumage that makes them so prized also makes Mutants easier targets for predators. As a result, they tend to be sparse and wary wherever they occur.
Successfully locating and bagging a Mutant pheasant requires exceptional skill, persistence, and luck on the hunter’s part. This makes them a highly desirable trophy animal.
Where to Find Mutant Pheasants
Mutant pheasants can only be found on two of the game’s reserves: Cuatro Colinas and Te Awaroa.
Cuatro Colinas
On Cuatro Colinas, the dense oak forest in the south-central part of the reserve holds the best Mutant pheasant habitat. Specifically, hunters should focus their efforts on the area east of Montoso Lake.
This forest has a mix of dense brush and small clearings well-suited for these vivid pheasants. The mutants that spawn here are usually solitary males. Patience and stealth are required to successfully harvest one.
Te Awaroa
On the Te Awaroa reserve, the population of Mutant pheasants is centered in the bamboo forests in the mountainous northwestern part of the map.
The bamboo provides excellent cover for these secretive birds. Hunters may occasionally encounter small groups of Mutants in this region in addition to lone males. Slow, stealthy stalking is the best tactic for locating them in this dense habitat.
In both locations, hunting the Mutant pheasants during their dawn and dusk activity peaks will increase your chances of success.
Hunting Tips
Here are some tips to help you successfully track down and harvest these rare prizes:
1. Use caller decoys
Equipping a Mutant pheasant caller is key for drawing these wary birds into range. The unique caller mimics the male’s distinctive crowing call, grabbing the attention of any Mutants in the area.
Set up the caller in areas of suitable habitat and then hide downwind where you have a good view of the surrounding landscape. With luck, any curious Mutants will come investigating the calls, bringing them right to your hunting spot.
2. Focus your search early and late
Mutant pheasants are most active around dawn and dusk hours. Prioritize hunting during the early morning and evening for your best chance at encountering one.
Their bright plumage shows up well in low light conditions, making the mutants easier to spot against the darker woods at these times. Sitting quietly at a caller decoy site is your best bet.
3. Look for tracks and signs
Keep an eye out for Mutant pheasant tracks as you traverse their habitat zones. Their tracks resemble common pheasant prints but with a larger size and length. Listen also for their louder, more emphatic crowing calls.
Fresh droppings, disturbed soil from dust bathing, and signs of feeding like scattered seeds or crushed berries can also betray the recent presence of Mutants in the area.
4. Bring a dog
A hunting dog companion can be invaluable for flushing these secretive birds out from dense brush. Set your dog to search in the Mutant’s preferred habitats.
When they indicate, move in quickly but cautiously with your shotgun or rifle at the ready. The dog will likely flush multiple targets, so pick your shots wisely.
5. Use scent elimination
Mutant pheasants have a strong sense of smell. Use scent eliminator sprays and approach upwind to avoid them catching your scent prematurely. This helps you sneak up undetected into shotgun range.
6. Equip camo and move slowly
Your choice of outfits and careful, quiet movement are also critical. Adopting camo suited to the environment and creeping stealthily on foot give you your best odds at getting close without them fleeing.
Once in range, wait for a good broadside shot opportunity at the pheasant’s vitals. Lead the bird properly and squeeze off an accurate shot before it takes flight.
Harvest Rewards
Succeeding in harvesting one of these rare Mutant pheasants brings considerable rewards:
High Scoring Trophy
A mature male Mutant pheasant can score very highly as a trophy kill. Their large size and vivid plumage make for an impressive addition to any lodge. A perfect legendary score Mutant pheasant is a true prize.
Generous Cash and XP
Taking down a Mutant nets you 1000 Conservation Credits. They also provide a significant XP reward of 540 points upon harvest. This allows you to gain levels rapidly.
Rare Harvest Screenshot
Having a Mutant pheasant as the star of your harvest screenshot is a remarkable achievement worth showing off to fellow players. Their vibrant feathers make them one of the most photogenic species in the game.
Completion of Mission/Side Objectives
Hunting a Mutant pheasant is a requirement for completing certain missions and side objectives. Tick off those outstanding tasks by bagging one of these radiant birds.
New Clothing Unlocks
Your first Mutant pheasant harvest opens up access to special mutant-themed clothing as a reward. This unique gear shows your mastery of hunting these rare birds.
In summary, taking down a Mutant pheasant is a highly rewarding accomplishment for any Hunter player. The effort to seek out and outwit one of these vivid birds pays off handsomely. Mutant pheasants represent the pinnacle of the pheasant hunting experience in the game.
Conclusion
The rare and striking Mutant pheasant provides a thrilling challenge for hunters in Hunter: Call of the Wild. Its vibrant plumage makes it stand out, but its elusive nature means tracking one down requires skill and determination.
Focusing your search in the oak forests of Cuatro Colinas and bamboo woodlands of Te Awaroa during peak activity times gives you the best chance. Use of caller decoys, avoidance of scent, and stealthy foot maneuvers help you close in on these wariest of birds.
Successfully adding a Mutant pheasant to your harvest collection brings great rewards and satisfaction. This unique variant is the ultimate trophy among Hunter’s selection of pheasant game. Your first Mutant pheasant will be a moment to remember as the brilliance of its feathers ignites your passion for the hunt.
