Coyote Hunting

wch · December 6, 2009, 08:42 PM

I have no idea what firearm to use when coyote hunting; any ideas?

DiscoRacing · December 6, 2009, 08:54 PM

I use both .223 and 22-250... both using a 69 grain hollow point bullet

fyimo · December 6, 2009, 08:54 PM

I would recommend a 223 or 22-250 for your varmint hunting and some people use a 243 as well. I use a CZ 550 American 22-250 bolt action with a Nikon 4.5 x14 varmint coyote scope on it I can adjust the power depending on the type of terrain I hunt. The scope depends where you live and the type of terrain and the length of shots you will be making and any good scope from 3x9 to 4x16 is perfect.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · December 6, 2009, 10:46 PM

Your regular deer rifle if you aren't planning on saving the fur.

Abel · December 6, 2009, 11:21 PM

I like a nice 243. I don't think the yotes will care if you use a 30-30 though.

NWCP · December 7, 2009, 01:05 AM

I use a CZ 527 American in .223.

ARDogman · December 7, 2009, 08:48 AM

I am waiting on a CZ 527 Varmint in .204 right now. Bought this gun specifically for yoties and the like. Originally I figured to get a .223, but ballistically it didn't have what I wanted.

L_Killkenny · December 7, 2009, 10:13 AM

12 ga. shotgun shooting #4 buck and the tighest choke you can find. Any centerfire rifle from the .17's up thru the .224's if you're saving pelts. The .243/6mm is hard on fur.

LK

MKII · December 7, 2009, 01:44 PM

You can't go wrong with a .223 or .22-250 nice fast bullet, gets em everytime

Daryl · December 7, 2009, 03:44 PM

Any small-bore centerfire will work fine for killing them...or use your deer rifle.

If you're saving fur, I'd recommend a .17 or .20 cal centerfire. Hard to go wrong with a .17 Rem, .17 Fireball, or .204 Ruger.

Daryl

shortwave · December 7, 2009, 06:30 PM

WCH,Apologies in advance but one quick question.

Are deer gut piles good to hunt coyote`s over?

Huntergirl · December 7, 2009, 06:40 PM

The Cattlemen's Assoc. has a bounty every winter on coyotes in my area, until money runs out. I always carry my Swede Mauser 6.5x55 whenever I'm out in the field, just in case. Have gotten a couple kills opportunistically.
Better to use a FMJ if using anything over .243, if wanting to save the pelt. Me, I just throw that old coyote into the truck bed and head over to claim $25.00.

Yes, gut piles, dead jack rabbits, anything will attract a coyotes. The warmer the better. I've had foxes and coyotes sitting 100yds down, waiting for me me to finish gutting my deer.

thallub · December 7, 2009, 06:58 PM

For called in coyotes I usually use my Savage over under in .22 Hornet over 20 gauge. The 20 gauge rounds are loaded with #4 buckshot. For long range coyote shooting i use either my CZ 527 in .223 or a .22 CHeeta.

shortwave · December 7, 2009, 07:43 PM

Thanks Huntergirl.

SamC · December 7, 2009, 08:07 PM

Do not use FMJ on coyotes, or anything else for that matter. The bullets over penetrate and can keep on going for a long way, possibly causing injury or death to others. Richochets are another possibility. Furthermore, you may not always get a clean kill. If you use a larger caliber rifle, use a soft point or similar bullet.

viking499 · December 7, 2009, 08:21 PM

I use a 223 in an AR platform or a bolt action 243 with 55 grain federals.

Daryl · December 8, 2009, 11:59 AM

+1 to what SamC said.

FMJ's are illegal in many states for those same reasons.

Daryl

Huntergirl · December 8, 2009, 08:50 PM

In many western sates, FMJ are illegal only for hunting game, not varmints.
I agree that if you aren't sure of your backdrop, better not fire, or are in closed in country, not to use FMJ or any rifle fodder, but rather a shotgun, since ALL rifle bullets, both sp and FMJ, have the potential to travel great distances, or ping off a rock.

billythekid007 · December 8, 2009, 09:39 PM

as said above... unless your selling or saving the fur.. JUST SHOOT IT!

Madpipe · December 8, 2009, 11:47 PM

I use a .223 or a 22/250 it seems to work the best as I see other people agree in this thread.

Steve_in_SEMich · December 9, 2009, 12:39 PM

wch - you haven't indicated what part of the country you're in or what setting you're hunting in. In heavy woods, typically near small streams, there's plenty of food for the coyotes. We call them in close enough to use #1 & #4 buckshot out of a shorter-barrelled shotgun. Tight choke, pattern out to at least 50 yards to see how far you can effectively hit them. We typically hunt in areas after snow has fallen, usually requires snowshoes, sitting still for up to 45 minutes per set. Had a couple come up behind us last year - the sneaky bastards probably saw us move and with the deep snow, we never heard them.

Just bought the Primos 'Catnip' call and I hope it works as good as it sounds - 1st trip this year is in just 2 1/2 weeks! I also like the Hunters Specialties PC-1 & PC-3 calls.

I have also used a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .243 Win to take a dog in Montana. Had time to take out my antelope load and put in a Sierra 90gr FMJ handload - 185 paces down in a ravine. Remind me to shoot uphill and carry downhill..............

Atroxus · December 9, 2009, 02:51 PM

If all you have access to is a .22LR would that work on coyotes?

A_Gamehog · December 9, 2009, 07:48 PM

Shot placement is critical, but I have killed many different animals with a 22lr load. Inside of 100 yards you are capable of killing quickly.

I must state I trapped for many years, Fox, Coyotes,Beaver,Bobcats, Mt. Lions, domestic dogs turned loose all died with a 22 short in the ear with a Ruger Pistol Mark-I.

Out past 100 yards you are wasting lead.

jckeffer · December 11, 2009, 01:46 AM

.22 LR can be effective on coyotes well beyond 100 yrds. I shot one at a verified 132 yrds with my Browning semi-auto. It had been preying on my chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese for about two weeks when my wife spotted it about 5:30 one morning. I got my .22 out of the safe, loaded it and went to investigate. The coyoted saw me and took off. Unfortunate for the coyoted it stopped at the fence at the far end of my pasture. Using a gate post for a rest I shot it - hit within 1/4" of the center of its forehead - dropped dead as a doorknob. My dad, who'd got up to watch, couldn't believe it. He insisted we get out the 100' tape and measure the distance - 396 ft. No bull - just fact.

A .22 can be deadly, not accurate, but deadly well beyond that.

jckeffer · December 11, 2009, 01:49 AM

.22 LR can be effective on coyotes well beyond 100 yrds. I shot one at a verified 132 yrds with my Browning semi-auto. It had been preying on my chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese for about two weeks when my wife spotted it about 5:30 one morning. I got my .22 out of the safe, loaded it and went to investigate. The coyoted saw me and took off. Unfortunate for the coyoted it stopped at the fence at the far end of my pasture. Using a gate post for a rest I shot it - hit within 1/4" of the center of its forehead - dropped dead as a doorknob. My dad, who'd got up to watch, couldn't believe it. He insisted we get out the 100' tape and measure the distance - 396 ft. No bull - just fact.

A .22 can be deadly, not accurate, but deadly well beyond that.

ps I normally hunt coyotes with a Rem700 in 22-250 using either 45 gr UMC JHP or 55gr Ballistic Tips - both extremely accurate and lethal a llloooonnnnggg way out.

December 7, 2009, 06:30 PM	#11
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Short thread veer. WCH,Apologies in advance but one quick question. Are deer gut piles good to hunt coyote`s over?

December 8, 2009, 11:47 PM	#20
Madpipe Member Join Date: November 19, 2008 Location: Queen Creek,AZ 85242 Posts: 25	coyote killing I use a .223 or a 22/250 it seems to work the best as I see other people agree in this thread. __________________ Oh Well

December 9, 2009, 12:39 PM	#21
Steve_in_SEMich Member Join Date: January 29, 2009 Posts: 88	wch - you haven't indicated what part of the country you're in or what setting you're hunting in. In heavy woods, typically near small streams, there's plenty of food for the coyotes. We call them in close enough to use #1 & #4 buckshot out of a shorter-barrelled shotgun. Tight choke, pattern out to at least 50 yards to see how far you can effectively hit them. We typically hunt in areas after snow has fallen, usually requires snowshoes, sitting still for up to 45 minutes per set. Had a couple come up behind us last year - the sneaky bastards probably saw us move and with the deep snow, we never heard them. Just bought the Primos 'Catnip' call and I hope it works as good as it sounds - 1st trip this year is in just 2 1/2 weeks! I also like the Hunters Specialties PC-1 & PC-3 calls. I have also used a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .243 Win to take a dog in Montana. Had time to take out my antelope load and put in a Sierra 90gr FMJ handload - 185 paces down in a ravine. Remind me to shoot uphill and carry downhill.............. __________________ Steve

December 9, 2009, 07:48 PM	#23
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	Yes Shot placement is critical, but I have killed many different animals with a 22lr load. Inside of 100 yards you are capable of killing quickly. I must state I trapped for many years, Fox, Coyotes,Beaver,Bobcats, Mt. Lions, domestic dogs turned loose all died with a 22 short in the ear with a Ruger Pistol Mark-I. Out past 100 yards you are wasting lead. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course"

December 11, 2009, 01:46 AM	#24
jckeffer Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2007 Posts: 185	Re: .22 and Coyotes .22 LR can be effective on coyotes well beyond 100 yrds. I shot one at a verified 132 yrds with my Browning semi-auto. It had been preying on my chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese for about two weeks when my wife spotted it about 5:30 one morning. I got my .22 out of the safe, loaded it and went to investigate. The coyoted saw me and took off. Unfortunate for the coyoted it stopped at the fence at the far end of my pasture. Using a gate post for a rest I shot it - hit within 1/4" of the center of its forehead - dropped dead as a doorknob. My dad, who'd got up to watch, couldn't believe it. He insisted we get out the 100' tape and measure the distance - 396 ft. No bull - just fact. A .22 can be deadly, not accurate, but deadly well beyond that.

December 6, 2009, 08:42 PM	#1
wch Member Join Date: November 25, 2009 Posts: 69	Coyote Hunting I have no idea what firearm to use when coyote hunting; any ideas?

December 6, 2009, 08:54 PM	#2
DiscoRacing Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2008 Location: milton, wv Posts: 3,640	I use both .223 and 22-250... both using a 69 grain hollow point bullet

December 6, 2009, 08:54 PM	#3
fyimo Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Posts: 360	I would recommend a 223 or 22-250 for your varmint hunting and some people use a 243 as well. I use a CZ 550 American 22-250 bolt action with a Nikon 4.5 x14 varmint coyote scope on it I can adjust the power depending on the type of terrain I hunt. The scope depends where you live and the type of terrain and the length of shots you will be making and any good scope from 3x9 to 4x16 is perfect.

December 6, 2009, 10:46 PM	#4
Omaha-BeenGlockin Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2001 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,183	Your regular deer rifle if you aren't planning on saving the fur. __________________ I take the leech that's bleeding me Can't stop to save my soul I take the leash that's leading me -------Metallica

December 6, 2009, 11:21 PM	#5
Abel Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,161	I like a nice 243. I don't think the yotes will care if you use a 30-30 though.

December 7, 2009, 01:05 AM	#6
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	I use a CZ 527 American in .223.

December 7, 2009, 08:48 AM	#7
ARDogman Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2009 Location: Eastern South Dakota Posts: 247	I am waiting on a CZ 527 Varmint in .204 right now. Bought this gun specifically for yoties and the like. Originally I figured to get a .223, but ballistically it didn't have what I wanted.

December 7, 2009, 10:13 AM	#8
L_Killkenny Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,676	12 ga. shotgun shooting #4 buck and the tighest choke you can find. Any centerfire rifle from the .17's up thru the .224's if you're saving pelts. The .243/6mm is hard on fur. LK

December 7, 2009, 01:44 PM	#9
MKII Junior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Posts: 5	You can't go wrong with a .223 or .22-250 nice fast bullet, gets em everytime

December 7, 2009, 03:44 PM	#10
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	Any small-bore centerfire will work fine for killing them...or use your deer rifle. If you're saving fur, I'd recommend a .17 or .20 cal centerfire. Hard to go wrong with a .17 Rem, .17 Fireball, or .204 Ruger. Daryl

December 7, 2009, 06:40 PM	#12
Huntergirl Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: Wyoming Posts: 907	The Cattlemen's Assoc. has a bounty every winter on coyotes in my area, until money runs out. I always carry my Swede Mauser 6.5x55 whenever I'm out in the field, just in case. Have gotten a couple kills opportunistically. Better to use a FMJ if using anything over .243, if wanting to save the pelt. Me, I just throw that old coyote into the truck bed and head over to claim $25.00. Yes, gut piles, dead jack rabbits, anything will attract a coyotes. The warmer the better. I've had foxes and coyotes sitting 100yds down, waiting for me me to finish gutting my deer.

December 7, 2009, 06:58 PM	#13
thallub Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: South Western OK Posts: 3,112	For called in coyotes I usually use my Savage over under in .22 Hornet over 20 gauge. The 20 gauge rounds are loaded with #4 buckshot. For long range coyote shooting i use either my CZ 527 in .223 or a .22 CHeeta.

December 7, 2009, 07:43 PM	#14
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Thanks Huntergirl.

December 7, 2009, 08:07 PM	#15
SamC Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2000 Location: MI Posts: 113	Do not use FMJ on coyotes, or anything else for that matter. The bullets over penetrate and can keep on going for a long way, possibly causing injury or death to others. Richochets are another possibility. Furthermore, you may not always get a clean kill. If you use a larger caliber rifle, use a soft point or similar bullet.

December 7, 2009, 08:21 PM	#16
viking499 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2008 Posts: 206	I use a 223 in an AR platform or a bolt action 243 with 55 grain federals.

December 8, 2009, 11:59 AM	#17
Daryl Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Posts: 2,350	+1 to what SamC said. FMJ's are illegal in many states for those same reasons. Daryl

December 8, 2009, 08:50 PM	#18
Huntergirl Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2005 Location: Wyoming Posts: 907	In many western sates, FMJ are illegal only for hunting game, not varmints. I agree that if you aren't sure of your backdrop, better not fire, or are in closed in country, not to use FMJ or any rifle fodder, but rather a shotgun, since ALL rifle bullets, both sp and FMJ, have the potential to travel great distances, or ping off a rock.

December 8, 2009, 09:39 PM	#19
billythekid007 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2007 Posts: 178	as said above... unless your selling or saving the fur.. JUST SHOOT IT!

December 9, 2009, 02:51 PM	#22
Atroxus Member Join Date: November 4, 2009 Location: Marysville, WA USA Posts: 88	If all you have access to is a .22LR would that work on coyotes?

December 11, 2009, 01:49 AM	#25
jckeffer Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2007 Posts: 185	Re: .22 and Coyotes .22 LR can be effective on coyotes well beyond 100 yrds. I shot one at a verified 132 yrds with my Browning semi-auto. It had been preying on my chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese for about two weeks when my wife spotted it about 5:30 one morning. I got my .22 out of the safe, loaded it and went to investigate. The coyoted saw me and took off. Unfortunate for the coyoted it stopped at the fence at the far end of my pasture. Using a gate post for a rest I shot it - hit within 1/4" of the center of its forehead - dropped dead as a doorknob. My dad, who'd got up to watch, couldn't believe it. He insisted we get out the 100' tape and measure the distance - 396 ft. No bull - just fact. A .22 can be deadly, not accurate, but deadly well beyond that. ps I normally hunt coyotes with a Rem700 in 22-250 using either 45 gr UMC JHP or 55gr Ballistic Tips - both extremely accurate and lethal a llloooonnnnggg way out.