Buck shot for coyotes
What would you suggest for shot size, length of shell, choke constriction and distance for shooting coyotes with a 12 Ga? Also, what would you suggest for a barrel length.
Thanks in advance
257
You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.
Thanks in advance
257
You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.
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Thanks for your input.
257
You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.0 -
If you want to save pelts you better us 00 or better yet a rifle. If you just want them dead then a 3-1/2 Turkey load with #4 or 5 shot ought to do the trick. But, I suspect a few are not going to be impressed with a long range shotgun hit and you may lose them. Then they will slink off wounded and die a nasty death, or resort to eating dogs on the leash in urban neighborhoods. Why do you want to use a shotgun in the first place??? 0 -
There's no simple answer to this question.
I'd suggest you pattern your particular shotgun with each type and determine the largest size pellets and brand that will work for you at these ranges.
For optimal patterns, individual shotguns tend to prefer one load over another. For example, some loads may tend to donut on you, meaning you'll have a large dead spot in the center of your pattern.
Also, don't be surprised if you find that standard length rounds pattern better than 3's or 3 1/2's. They have more pellets, but may be so patchy that the lower recoiling (and faster follow-up shooting) 2 3/4's might actually work better.0 -
#4's work real well, but my first choice would be a rifle, .257 maybe? 
"Aim small, Miss small"0 -
iuse a 31/2 inch chuck daly on coyotes with a turky choke and #4 itll blow there guts out at fifty yards and ive killeem at 100 but thats lucky shot i like the scatter gun around here aint got to worry about hitten someone on the road or worse my hou8nds,jared 0 -
I've been using my Remington 870 3" loaded with 4 Buck, and I always take my 22-250 for those coyote that "Hang-Up" and won't come into shotgun range. I took 22 last season and had a real blast.
If you Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.
coyotehunter@hvc.rr.com
Guns don't have fingerprints; they have signatures that can be changed in a moment.0 -
I normally use my 22/250 but on many occasions I lay my 12 gauge across my lap if I'm in a place where they may come in close on me where I won't have a standing rifle shot and may have to snap shoot them. I've killed them with #4's short ones and 3" mags, also shot them with steel shot goose loads 3" size "F" shot, mostly cuz it's what I had laying around. The goose loads "rolled'em" at 45 or 50 yards with no problem. #4's were used at 35 yards or so and not one got away! Must say though I really prefer the 22/250 though, guess I'm a sniper at heart. 0 -
We usually set up one with a.223 and the other guy with a 11-87 with #4 buck.Works pretty good. 0 -
We just use the spot light and aim for between the glowing eyes with a .22. 0 -
I don't recommend this, but I did it.
Coyotes are a problem in certain areas of town, eating dog food, cats, small dogs, and generally scaring people.
I got a call about a coyote abroad in the daytime. I found the coyote, standing broadside to me in a wide utility easement. I knew that if I shot at it with buckshot, some of the pellets would miss, but where it was standing, it would be safe to do.
I also knew the coyote was out of range. I was using Federal Law Enforcement OOBuck, 2 3/4" in a 12 gauge Remington 870 with an 18" cylinder bore barrel. I estimated the range at 50 yards, but didn't want to move closer for fear of spooking the coyote back into nearby cover.
So, I fired. Three shots to put it down. It never moved from where it was, but spun in place as each shot hit it. After it was down, I walked up on it and shot it in the head.
The range turned out to be 48 yards, 60 steps for me. My steps average 2.4 feet each.
I wouldn't have taken the shot on a game animal. It was a nuisance animal. I wouldn't have taken the shot without a clear field of fire.
That's why I offered the caveat. Special circumstances existed and I took the shot, when I wouldn't have otherwise.
I think 50-60 yards is stretching it even with the big shells, but that's just me.
SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net0 -
I was involved in Federal Predator (Coyote) Control for several years in the late 70s to mid 80s. This was shooting from Helicopters. The standard gun and load was a 12ga Semi-Auto with 2&3/4" Magnum #4 Buckshot. We killed several hundred each year on contracts throughout Eastern WA, Eastern OR, and ID. At that time, the value of pelts was such that you didn't want to lose any of these critters. And granted, sometimes a second shot was used to really 'anchor' them. But that combination worked well for us. And, as the 'standard' issue 'package', it certainly seemed to work well for all of the other agents as well.
Best...............!0 -
About 25 years ago when $100 for a coyote pelt was the going price, a few of my friends hunted them in Eastern WA. They'd take a 22-250 and a 12 ga. They preferred to get the yotes in close enough for the shotgun,loaded with #4 buck, because the round balls caused less damage to the hide, out at 150 yards or so, the 22-250 didn't tear them too badly. 0
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