Grand Theft Auto V offers an incredibly deep open world filled with immersive side activities that expand the lore of San Andreas. Among the most popular secondary ventures is the series of tracking missions provided by the bail bonds woman, Maude Eccles. This specific side story allows players to experience the life of a modern bounty tracker in the rugged desert landscapes of Blaine County.
Unlocking the Bounty Missions with Trevor
To begin your journey as a specialized tracker, you must first progress through the main story until you unlock Trevor Philips as a playable protagonist. Afterward, navigating to the question mark icon in Grapeseed will introduce you to Maude at her rural homestead. She will express her desire for justice and promise financial rewards for bringing in specific fugitives alive.
Shortly after this meeting concludes, Maude will send an electronic mail containing vital details regarding your very first target. The initial fugitive on her list is a white-collar criminal who has fled his legal obligations in the city. Players must prepare themselves before heading out into the wilderness to find this elusive individual.
Tracking Ralph Ostrowski at Davis Quartz
The target in question, Ralph Ostrowski, is currently seeking refuge deep within the massive industrial complex known as the Davis Quartz quarry. This heavily terraced excavation site is located on the eastern edge of the Grand Senora Desert, just south of the main highway. Navigating down into the deep machinery zones requires caution, as the open terrain makes sneaking up on targets quite difficult.
As you approach the designated coordinates near the middle levels of the quarry, you will notice a distinctive red vehicle parked near the edge. Ralph is stationed nearby, surveying the surrounding canyon paths for any incoming threats. Spotting your vehicle will trigger his fight-or-flight response immediately, causing him to attempt a desperate escape down the rocky slopes.
Effective Strategies for a Live Capture
While eliminating the target fulfills the basic requirements of the contract, delivering him safely to Maude yields a significantly higher cash reward. The most effective strategy involves using non-lethal weapons, such as the Stun Gun, to quickly incapacitate the fugitive before he can escape. If you lack specialized equipment, shooting the tires of his getaway car or aiming at his legs will force him to surrender quietly.
Once the target realizes he is entirely cornered, he will put his hands up and willingly follow you back to your vehicle. Simply open the passenger door, allow him to climb inside, and drive back toward the designated drop-off point in Grapeseed. Maintaining control of the vehicle during this journey ensures that the captive arrives at his destination without sustaining unnecessary injury.
Claiming Your Reward and Next Steps
Arriving back at Maude's homestead with a live bounty triggers a unique cinematic sequence where she takes custody of the prisoner. The game will immediately credit your account with a substantial ten thousand dollar reward for your tracking efforts. This successful operation sets the stage for future missions, as Maude will soon send information regarding the next fugitive hiding in the desert.
Completing these specific activities adds massive replay value to the single-player campaign while offering a reliable stream of early-game revenue. The combination of environmental exploration and tactical combat perfectly showcases the sandbox freedom that makes San Andreas feel alive. Mastering the first target prepares players for the increasingly complex hunts that await them across the expansive map.