What Shotgun Ammo is Best for Coyotes? A Hunter’s Guide
What shotgun ammo is best for coyotes? The best shotgun ammo for coyotes depends on factors like range and choke, but generally, #4 buckshot or larger provides the necessary knockdown power for ethical and effective coyote hunting.
Introduction: Coyote Hunting with Shotguns
Coyotes, adaptable and intelligent predators, pose a significant challenge to livestock and game populations across North America. While rifles are often the go-to choice for coyote hunting, shotguns offer a viable and effective alternative, particularly in dense cover or at closer ranges. Selecting the right shotgun ammo is crucial for ensuring a clean and humane kill. This guide will delve into the nuances of choosing the optimal load for your coyote hunting endeavors.
Understanding the Ballistics
Shotgun ballistics differ significantly from rifle ballistics. Instead of a single projectile, a shotgun fires a cloud of pellets. This spread makes shotguns effective at closer ranges, where a precise aim is less critical. However, it also means that pellet energy dissipates rapidly with distance. Understanding this energy loss is vital when deciding what shotgun ammo is best for coyotes?.
Buckshot: The Primary Choice
Buckshot remains the most popular choice for coyote hunting with a shotgun. Buckshot pellets are significantly larger and heavier than birdshot, delivering greater kinetic energy and penetration.
- Types of Buckshot:
- #4 Buckshot: A good all-around choice for coyote hunting at moderate ranges. Offers a good balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy.
- #3 Buckshot: Similar to #4, but slightly larger.
- #2 Buckshot: A larger size providing better penetration.
- #1 Buckshot: Progressively larger in diameter.
- #0 Buckshot: Larger still, with more energy per pellet. A common choice, offering significant knockdown power.
- #00 Buckshot (Double-aught): One of the largest buckshot sizes commonly available. Delivers substantial energy, but fewer pellets per shell.
- #000 Buckshot (Triple-aught): The largest commonly available buckshot. Offers the greatest energy per pellet but the lowest pellet count. This is considered by some to be too much power for coyotes, potentially damaging the pelt.
Factors Influencing Buckshot Selection
Several factors influence the optimal buckshot size for coyote hunting:
- Range: At longer ranges, larger buckshot sizes retain energy better.
- Choke: A tighter choke will keep the buckshot pattern tighter, extending effective range.
- Shotgun Gauge: 12-gauge shotguns are generally preferred due to their higher pellet count and greater energy. 20-gauge shotguns can be effective with careful load selection and range limitations.
Alternative Ammunition Options
While buckshot is the primary choice, other shotgun ammo options can be effective for coyote hunting in specific situations:
- Turkey Loads: Some turkey loads use larger shot sizes similar to buckshot and can be effective.
- Tungsten Loads: Tungsten shot is denser than lead, providing better penetration and energy retention at longer ranges. These are often expensive but can significantly improve performance.
- Hevi-Shot: Similar to tungsten, Hevi-Shot offers improved density and performance.
- Less Lethal Rounds (for specific purposes): Rubber buckshot or beanbag rounds might be appropriate for hazing or deterring coyotes in specific situations, but are not hunting ammunition.
Patterning Your Shotgun
Before heading into the field, it is essential to pattern your shotgun with the chosen ammunition. This involves shooting at a target at various distances to determine the spread of the pellets. A well-patterned shotgun ensures consistent and ethical kills.
- How to Pattern a Shotgun:
- Set up a large target (e.g., a piece of cardboard) at a known distance (e.g., 30 yards).
- Aim carefully at the center of the target.
- Fire a shot and observe the pellet distribution.
- Repeat several times with different ammunition types and chokes.
- Analyze the patterns to determine which combination provides the best coverage and density.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical coyote hunting requires using ammunition that provides a quick and humane kill. It is crucial to choose a load that delivers sufficient energy to penetrate vital organs. Avoid taking shots at excessively long ranges where the pellet energy is insufficient.
Legal Considerations
Always be aware of and comply with all local and state regulations regarding ammunition types and hunting restrictions. Some areas may restrict the use of certain buckshot sizes or require the use of non-toxic shot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Birdshot: Birdshot lacks the necessary penetration for coyotes.
- Shooting at Excessive Ranges: Shotgun ammunition loses energy rapidly with distance.
- Failing to Pattern Your Shotgun: Knowing your shotgun’s pattern is crucial for accurate shot placement.
- Underestimating Coyote Durability: Coyotes are tough animals; using an inadequate load can result in a wounded animal.
Table: Comparing Common Buckshot Sizes for Coyote Hunting
| Buckshot Size | Pellets (12ga 2 3/4″) | Effective Range (yards) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ————— | ———————- | —————————- | ——————————————- | ——————————————– |
| #4 | ~27 | 30-40 | Good pellet count, good penetration | Less energy per pellet than larger sizes |
| #2 | ~21 | 35-45 | Good balance of pellet count and energy | Fewer pellets than #4 |
| #0 | ~15 | 40-50 | High energy per pellet, good penetration | Lower pellet count, tighter patterns needed |
| #00 | ~9 | 45-55 | Very high energy per pellet, deep penetration | Lowest pellet count, requires tight patterns |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum buckshot size I should use for coyotes?
The absolute minimum buckshot size for coyote hunting is generally considered to be #4 buckshot. Anything smaller, like birdshot, simply lacks the penetration to reliably and humanely dispatch a coyote, potentially leading to suffering and a lost animal.
Is birdshot ever appropriate for coyote hunting?
Absolutely not. Birdshot is designed for small, lightly feathered birds and lacks the penetration power needed for a coyote. Using birdshot is unethical and ineffective. It is far better to not take a shot than to wound and lose an animal due to inadequate ammunition.
Does the gauge of my shotgun matter when hunting coyotes?
Yes, the gauge does matter. While a 20-gauge can be used, a 12-gauge shotgun is generally preferred for coyote hunting because it typically provides a higher pellet count and greater energy. This increased payload provides a greater margin for error and ensures a more effective shot.
How far can I effectively shoot a coyote with a shotgun?
The maximum effective range for shotgun hunting coyotes is typically 40-50 yards. Beyond this distance, pellet energy dissipates significantly, reducing the likelihood of a clean kill. Proper patterning is essential to determining your personal effective range with a specific load.
What role does choke play in coyote hunting with a shotgun?
Choke plays a crucial role in controlling the spread of the shot pattern. For coyote hunting, a modified or full choke is generally recommended to maintain a tighter pattern and extend the effective range. Experimenting with different chokes is important to find what works best with your chosen ammunition.
Are there any non-lead alternatives for coyote hunting with a shotgun?
Yes, there are several non-lead alternatives, such as tungsten, Hevi-Shot, and bismuth. These materials are denser than lead, providing better penetration and energy retention, making them excellent choices in areas where lead shot is restricted.
How important is patterning my shotgun before hunting coyotes?
Patterning your shotgun is absolutely essential. It allows you to determine the effective range of your shotgun and ammunition combination and ensures that you can consistently place enough pellets in the vital areas of a coyote. Failing to pattern can lead to missed shots or wounded animals.
Can I use turkey loads for coyote hunting?
Some turkey loads can be effective for coyote hunting, especially those with larger shot sizes similar to buckshot (#4 or larger). However, it’s crucial to pattern these loads in your shotgun to ensure they provide adequate coverage and penetration at your intended hunting range.
What happens if I wound a coyote?
Wounding a coyote is an unfortunate possibility, but it underscores the importance of ethical hunting practices. If you wound a coyote, make every effort to track it down and dispatch it humanely. If you cannot track it immediately, mark the location and return with appropriate tracking tools and assistance.
Are there any legal restrictions on the types of shotgun ammunition I can use for coyote hunting?
Absolutely. Hunters should always check local and state regulations to ensure compliance with ammunition restrictions. Some areas may prohibit the use of lead shot or specify minimum shot sizes for hunting specific game animals, including coyotes.
What’s the difference between buckshot and slugs for coyote hunting?
Buckshot consists of multiple pellets, while a slug is a single, large projectile. Slugs offer greater range and penetration but require more precise aiming. While some hunters use slugs, buckshot is generally preferred for coyote hunting due to the increased likelihood of hitting a vital area, especially at closer ranges.
What should I consider when choosing a shotgun for coyote hunting?
When selecting a shotgun for coyote hunting, consider factors such as gauge, barrel length, choke options, and overall weight. A 12-gauge shotgun with a 26-28 inch barrel and interchangeable chokes is a good all-around choice. Comfort and ease of handling are also important considerations for a successful hunt.