I agree with trailblazer. And first of all most all the states I know do not allow a rimfire rifle to be used for deer hunting. As for the .17HMR it is very capable of killing a coyote. "If you keep the range to a minimum." And I mean I wouldn't shoot at a yote unless it was less than 100yards away. A coyote can take alot of punishment from lead and still run. As for taking red fox, grey's, woodchuck, squirrel it's a wicked gun to shoot. I use a .22mag. all the time for taking fox, and my buddy just bought a .17 last winter, and it will take down a fox on the spot. It's a fun gun to shoot except the ammo is a little expensive, compared to a .22mag.