Will a .22 stop a coyote?

Table of Contents

Will a .22 stop a coyote? The answer is complex: while a well-placed shot from a .22 can kill a coyote, it is generally considered inadequate and unethical for reliably stopping one due to the round’s limited power and potential for causing prolonged suffering.

Understanding the .22 Cartridge

The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is one of the most popular and widely used ammunition types in the world. Known for its affordability, low recoil, and availability, it’s often a starting point for new shooters and a staple for plinking and small game hunting. However, its suitability for larger animals like coyotes is a serious question.

Caliber: Small caliber, making it less effective on larger animals.
Recoil: Minimal recoil, making it easy to shoot accurately.
Cost: Inexpensive compared to larger calibers.
Availability: Readily available in most locations.

The Coyote: Size, Behavior, and Vital Areas

Coyotes are medium-sized canids native to North America. They are adaptable creatures that can thrive in various environments, from rural areas to suburban landscapes. Understanding their size, behavior, and vital areas is crucial when considering the ethics and effectiveness of any hunting or defense scenario.

Size: Typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds, with variations depending on region and diet.
Behavior: Often elusive and wary, but can become bolder in areas with human presence.
Vital Areas: Heart, lungs, and brain are the primary targets for quick, ethical kills.

Ethical Considerations and Legality

Using a .22 on a coyote raises significant ethical considerations. A poorly placed shot can result in a severely wounded animal that suffers a prolonged and agonizing death. Legality also varies by location; some jurisdictions may prohibit the use of .22 for coyote hunting due to its inadequacy.

Ethics: Ensure a quick and humane kill, minimizing suffering.
Legality: Research and adhere to local hunting regulations.
Responsible Hunting: Consider alternative, more suitable calibers for a humane and effective kill.

Shot Placement and .22 Ballistics

Even with a more powerful caliber, shot placement is critical. With the .22, it becomes even more important. A shot that doesn’t hit a vital organ is unlikely to stop a coyote quickly, leading to potential escape and suffering. Understanding the ballistics of a .22 is also crucial to accurately assess its range and penetration capabilities. Factors like distance, bullet weight, and barrel length significantly impact the .22’s effectiveness.

Headshots: Risky due to the small target area and potential for glancing blows.
Chest Shots: Aim for the heart and lungs for a more reliable kill.
Distance: Keep shots within a short range to maintain accuracy and penetration.

Alternatives to the .22 for Coyote Control

If coyote control is necessary, using a more appropriate caliber is recommended. These calibers offer greater stopping power and a higher chance of a clean, ethical kill.

.223/5.56 NATO: A popular choice for predator hunting, offering a good balance of power and manageable recoil.
.243 Winchester: A heavier, faster round suitable for longer-range shots.
Shotguns (12 or 20 gauge): Effective at close range with appropriate buckshot loads.

Caliber	Advantages	Disadvantages
—————–	———————————————–	———————————————-
.22 LR	Low recoil, inexpensive, readily available	Low power, poor penetration, unethical
.223/5.56 NATO	Good stopping power, widely available	Louder report, requires more accuracy
.243 Winchester	Excellent stopping power, longer range	Higher recoil, more expensive ammunition
Shotgun (Buck)	Devastating at close range, large pattern	Limited range, significant recoil

Common Mistakes When Using a .22

Underestimating the Animal: Coyotes are tougher than they appear.
Poor Shot Placement: Failing to hit vital organs.
Excessive Range: Attempting shots beyond the .22’s effective range.
Using the Wrong Ammunition: Opting for low-powered target rounds.

FAQs: Will a .22 Stop a Coyote?

Will a .22 reliably kill a coyote with a single shot?

No, a .22 is not reliably lethal on a coyote. While it can kill, the small size and low power of the round often lead to non-fatal wounds, causing undue suffering. Larger, more powerful calibers are recommended.

What is the effective range of a .22 when used against coyotes?

The effective range of a .22 on a coyote is extremely limited, realistically no more than 50 yards and ideally much closer. Even at short ranges, precise shot placement is crucial due to the round’s poor penetration.

Is it legal to hunt coyotes with a .22 in most states?

Legality varies significantly by state and local regulations. Some areas may permit the use of a .22 for coyote hunting, while others specifically prohibit it due to its perceived inadequacy for a humane kill. Always check and abide by your local hunting laws.

What are the ethical considerations of using a .22 on a coyote?

The primary ethical concern is the potential for causing prolonged suffering. A .22 often lacks the stopping power to immediately incapacitate a coyote, leading to a slow and agonizing death if the shot is not perfectly placed.

What type of .22 ammunition is best for coyote hunting (if you choose to use it)?

If you absolutely must use a .22 on a coyote, high-velocity, solid-point ammunition is preferable to hollow-point rounds. While hollow points expand, the limited energy of the .22 often results in insufficient penetration before expansion occurs. Solid points offer slightly better penetration. However, it is still not recommended.

How important is shot placement when using a .22 on a coyote?

Shot placement is absolutely critical when using a .22 on a coyote. Only a perfectly placed shot to the brain or heart/lungs offers a reasonable chance of a quick kill. This is a very small target area on a moving animal, significantly increasing the risk of a non-fatal wound.

What other calibers are more suitable for coyote hunting?

Several calibers are far more suitable for coyote hunting, including the .223/5.56 NATO, .243 Winchester, .22-250 Remington, and even a 12 or 20-gauge shotgun with appropriate buckshot loads. These calibers provide significantly more stopping power for a humane kill.

Can a .22 ricochet easily when fired at a coyote?

Yes, a .22 is prone to ricocheting, especially when fired at hard surfaces or at shallow angles. This increases the risk of unintended harm to bystanders, livestock, or even the hunter.

What are the signs that a coyote has been hit but not fatally wounded by a .22?

Signs of a non-fatal wound include the coyote limping, exhibiting labored breathing, displaying signs of pain (whining or yelping), or bleeding profusely without immediately collapsing. A wounded coyote may also become more aggressive than usual.

How do I track a coyote that has been wounded by a .22?

Tracking a wounded coyote is challenging. Look for signs such as blood trails, disturbed vegetation, and footprints. However, it’s important to note that a wounded coyote is likely to cover a significant distance and may become extremely wary and difficult to locate. Consider informing local animal control or wildlife authorities for assistance.

Are there any circumstances where using a .22 on a coyote might be justifiable?

There are very few circumstances where using a .22 on a coyote is justifiable. Perhaps if it’s the only available firearm for self-defense against an immediately threatening coyote at extremely close range. Even then, the priority should be on aiming for the brain to maximize the chances of an immediate stop.

What should I do if I wound a coyote with a .22?

If you wound a coyote with a .22, your immediate priority should be to safely and humanely dispatch the animal as quickly as possible. If you are unable to do so yourself, contact local wildlife authorities or a professional trapper for assistance. Do not leave the wounded animal to suffer.