The 223 is pretty good for lots of reasons, such as cheap, not extremely noisy and effective. Sounds like the yotes have found a smorgasboard. Probably a 22 Hornet would also do the job quieter, but that would take you out of Remington. I have a coworker that runs a cat orphanage, about 50 or so. She has yote problems too. I am sure they think the world of her.