In Grand Theft Auto V, players are given a variety of side missions to explore beyond the main storyline, and one of the most engaging among them involves tracking down fugitives in the ‘Apprehend the Bail Jumper’ missions. These side quests, available only to Trevor Philips after a certain point in the story, introduce players to Maude Eccles, a bounty hunter who hires Trevor to find criminals who have skipped bail. These missions are more than just about money they test the player’s tracking, decision-making, and combat skills in unique and memorable ways. Each fugitive presents a different challenge, location, and moral dilemma that adds depth to the gameplay.
Unlocking the Bail Jumper Missions
Before Trevor can begin hunting bail jumpers, he must first receive an email from Maude Eccles. This happens after completing the main story mission ‘Mr. Philips.’ Once Trevor is in contact with Maude, she’ll send details about the first target along with their last known location. These missions do not appear as traditional quest markers but require players to investigate the target’s general area and find clues to their whereabouts.
How to Start
- Play as Trevor until you complete the ‘Mr. Philips’ mission
- Check Trevor’s email for a message from Maude
- Read the fugitive’s details and head to the marked area
- Search the surroundings to locate and confront the target
Gameplay Mechanics
The ‘Apprehend the Bail Jumper’ side missions are not straightforward shootouts. Players must find each fugitive using environmental cues and carefully observe the area. Most jumpers can be approached stealthily, and the game gives you the choice to kill them or capture them alive. Bringing them back alive to Maude results in a higher payout, encouraging players to use non-lethal tactics and avoid unnecessary violence.
Tips for Success
- Use a stun gun or melee attacks to subdue the target non-lethally
- Watch for NPCs acting suspiciously or trying to flee as you approach
- Use Trevor’s special ability to slow down time in combat if things get messy
- Be cautious when engaging targets in populated areas to avoid police interference
List of Bail Jumper Missions
1. Ralph Ostrowski
Ralph is hiding at a quarry near Davis Quartz in Blaine County. He’s relatively easy to spot, working with a group of laborers. When approached, Ralph tries to flee using a nearby vehicle. Players can either shoot out his tires or intercept him before he escapes. Bringing him back alive earns a higher reward.
2. Larry Tupper
Located in a trailer park west of the Alamo Sea, Larry is more difficult to approach. He’s usually surrounded by armed friends who will shoot on sight. The best strategy is to take out his backup quietly and avoid alerting him. Once he’s alone, subdue him and take him back to Maude.
3. Glenn Scoville
Glenn’s mission is particularly memorable because he’s found atop Mount Chiliad, preparing for a parachute jump. When Trevor arrives, Glenn jumps off the cliff. The player must quickly follow him using a parachute. Mid-air, Trevor must safely land and catch Glenn on foot. This mission is more about skillful flying and fast reactions than combat.
4. Curtis Weaver
The last target, Curtis, is located near the railway tracks in East Vinewood. He believes the government is after him and is constantly on alert. Curtis can be approached carefully, but if spooked, he runs into traffic or toward danger. Players need to corner him without triggering chaos in the streets.
Moral Choices and Consequences
Each bail jumper presents players with the choice of killing or capturing them. While killing is quicker and sometimes easier especially if the fugitive is heavily armed it results in a smaller reward from Maude. Bringing them in alive not only earns more money but adds a layer of challenge and roleplay for those who want to fully immerse themselves in Trevor’s unusual side hustle.
Kill vs. Capture
- Kill: Less money, less risk, faster mission completion
- Capture: Higher reward, moral satisfaction, riskier approach
Role of Maude Eccles
Maude plays a key role in the bail jumper missions. She’s not just a quest-giver but a character with her own personality and philosophy. She believes in justice and rehabilitation, which is why she prefers that Trevor apprehend targets alive. Her emails are often humorous or oddly poetic, giving flavor to each mission and building a sense of continuity across the bail jumper side quests.
Dialogue and World-Building
Each email from Maude adds more personality to the missions. She sometimes references her past or her ideals, offering a stark contrast to Trevor’s unpredictable nature. This dynamic creates a subtle yet interesting narrative layer that makes these missions feel meaningful rather than repetitive.
Strategies for Completing All Bail Jumper Missions
If you’re aiming to 100% complete GTA 5, you’ll need to successfully complete all of Maude’s bounty missions. Bringing all fugitives back alive is not mandatory but gives you the full monetary reward and enhances the satisfaction of finishing the missions with minimal collateral damage.
Completion Checklist
- Successfully locate and apprehend all four bail jumpers
- Deliver each fugitive to Maude’s trailer
- Optionally bring them in alive for maximum payout
- Check the in-game statistics menu to confirm progress
Rewards and Final Outcome
Upon completing all four bail jumper missions, Maude sends a final email thanking Trevor and stating she’s retiring from bounty hunting. While there’s no cutscene or major story development, completing these missions contributes to your 100% game completion score. The final payout varies depending on how many targets were captured alive, making non-lethal methods financially worthwhile.
Reward Summary
- Each live fugitive: $10,000
- Each killed fugitive: $5,000
- Total possible earnings: $40,000
Why the Bail Jumper Missions Matter
Although these missions are not required for the main story, the ‘Apprehend the Bail Jumper’ quests are a unique and enjoyable part of Trevor’s arc in GTA 5. They allow players to experience a different side of gameplay more investigative and moralistic while also exploring the less-traveled regions of the map. The missions tie into the theme of personal justice and responsibility, offering a counterbalance to the chaos Trevor usually creates.
Ultimately, tracking down fugitives for Maude is about more than money. It’s a chance to engage with the world of GTA 5 in a more methodical, story-driven way. The missions bring variety, character depth, and a subtle morality system that enhances the open-world experience. For completionists and casual players alike, apprehending the bail jumper targets adds memorable flavor to an already expansive game.