thats what the hmr was designed for is small game and varmint/pest control. i have shot probably hundreds of squirrels and rabbits with them and if you shoot it in the head it works fine. i also have shot 3 coyote and a fox with it. last fall i set up on some beavers with it and it killed them 1 shot. i also carry it coon hunting and shoot rimfire tournaments with it its a great caliber for all things just listed. id does a good job on woodchuck p.dog and ground squirrels too.