What does donating do?

[harken23]

If I donate something to the camp (money/items, or pelts/meat), does that do anything apart from depriving me of the money I'd get selling them? I know it goes into the camp coffer, but I'm the one who spends the money in it, and I cover the overage, so I may as well keep the cash on me. And I think I automatically pony up my share of whatever as soon as I ride into camp, no? Also, why not explain any of this anywhere in the game?

[J3SP3R]

donating stuff to camp feeds the camp which will help later down the line. Also after your first debt collection mission you can upgrade stuff in the camp which helps you

[JuiceWSA]

Originally posted by harken23:

If I donate something to the camp (money/items, or pelts/meat), does that do anything apart from depriving me of the money I'd get selling them? I know it goes into the camp coffer, but I'm the one who spends the money in it, and I cover the overage, so I may as well keep the cash on me. And I think I automatically pony up my share of whatever as soon as I ride into camp, no? Also, why not explain any of this anywhere in the game?

Story Mission Crime Money% is automatically deducted from your Crime Payout - before you even get it.

Donating to the Camp ($20 or so) gives you a big hunk of Honor.... every time you donate it... so if something costs $100 donate $20 5 times.

What you make on your own - you're supposed to give a portion of that, but... just donate $20 every time you come back to camp - it'll work out - or not - it's not important.

Pearson needs Perfect Deer Pelts - many.

https://www.ign.com/wikis/red-dead-redemption-2/Camp_Guide_-_How_to_Upgrade,_Fast_Travel,_and_All_Upgrades

If you're selling meat to make pennies - you're in the wrong bidness.
Give all meat to Pearson.
Upgrade your Satchel - start crafting and selling tonics (when you can carry 99 each):
https://reddead.fandom.com/wiki/Tonics_in_Redemption_2

In Chapter 3 - when you get a fishing rod:
ONE Steelhead or ONE Sockeye is worth $5.35 in St. Denis
$5.35 x 198 = do the math

Gather some Gold for some income right now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBckcxyBBAI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZofCIJdK8c

Upgrade the camp with that.
Buy a Varmint Rifle (you can't kill a perfect Rabbit without one)
Buy a Springfield Rifle (and Express Ammo - For Massive Animals - or craft an Improved Arrow - or a bunch of them)
That's all you need for now.

Meet Maximo (he's had MANY Women) and open Treasure Hunting (pay the man - he is funny):

https://reddead.fandom.com/wiki/M%C3%A1ximo_Crist%C3%B3bal_Valdespino

Jack Hall Gang Treasure - Learn Google

Put Express Ammo in everything - stuff is less likely to get up and walk away.
Craft Split Point Ammo to use less Dead Eye - otherwise keep swilling the Gogo Juice and use Express.