When you’re exploring the Appalachian wasteland in Fallout 76, few creatures are as quietly valuable as the humble Radstag. Whether you’re after their meat for a Strength buff or their hide for crafting, knowing where to find these irradiated deer can make all the difference. In this Fallout 76 Radstag Locations Guide, we’ll cover the best hunting spots, spawn tips, and how to make the most of your Radstag encounters.

Why Radstags Matter

Radstags may not look intimidating, but they’re among the most useful wildlife in Fallout 76. Their meat can be cooked into Radstag Stew or Grilled Radstag, which temporarily increases your carry weight — a lifesaver for scavengers and heavy looters. Their hides and blood are also key ingredients for crafting and certain daily quests. Because they’re relatively peaceful, they make for easy hunting even at lower levels.

Prime Radstag Spawn Locations

While Radstags appear across Appalachia, they tend to favor specific regions. Here are some of the most reliable hunting grounds for your next expedition:

1. Near Marigold Pavilion (Forest Region)
This is one of the earliest and most consistent Radstag spawn points in the game. You’ll often find a small herd grazing among the trees, just north of the pavilion. Approach carefully — they tend to flee if startled.

2. Around Tygart Water Treatment (Toxic Valley)
Head west of the facility and you might encounter a pack of Radstags wandering the hills. This area is ideal for players who want to combine Radstag hunting with looting nearby Super Mutant camps.

3. Big Fred’s BBQ Shack (Forest Region)
The irony of finding Radstags near a barbecue joint isn’t lost on seasoned players. Check the area behind the shack and along the nearby road for a pair or two.

4. Near Black Bear Lodge (Savage Divide)
This is a classic hunter’s hotspot. The woods surrounding the lodge often spawn multiple Radstags, and the area fits perfectly with a role-play run as a wasteland hunter.

5. South of Camp McClintock (Forest Region)
A more open hunting ground, this area is great for spotting Radstags from afar. It’s also conveniently close to fast travel points, making it perfect for quick farming runs.

Tips for Successful Hunting

• Go Silent: Radstags are skittish. Use a suppressed weapon or melee approach to avoid spooking them before you land your first shot.

• Check Time of Day: They spawn more reliably during daytime cycles, especially in forested zones.

• Server Hop for Respawns: If you’ve cleared an area and need more Radstag meat, changing servers can refresh spawn locations.

• Bring a Butcher’s Bounty Perk: This Perception perk gives a chance to get extra meat from kills — invaluable when farming for food buffs.

Making the Most of Your Radstag Loot

After a successful hunt, cook up your rewards. Grilled Radstag is the go-to meal for increasing carry weight by +20 for one hour. Combine it with backpack mods and mutations like Marsupial for maximum exploration efficiency. Radstag hides also make great decorative or trade items, especially early on when crafting resources are scarce.

Final Thoughts

Hunting Radstags is one of those quiet pleasures in Fallout 76 — a simple, rewarding loop that supports your survival and crafting needs. Whether you’re an early-game wanderer or a high-level explorer, knowing the best Fallout 76 Radstag Locations ensures you’ll never go hungry or over-encumbered again.