I picked up a .17hmr last year and has worked very very well for me on beaver. I took a young coyote this summer with it at 80 yards and it did a great job however i am hesitant to try it long range. In my opinion is just doesn't have the enough jam for the bigger dogs at say 250-300 yards as well as the wind factor. For those longer bombs i stick with my 7mm obviously not concerned about pelt damage. I highly recomend a .222 or a 22-250 for yotes, the pelt damage with these cals is very minimal. Fur buyers do not get in that big of a snit over the hole unless there are multiple holes and in the area that the pelt is the thickest (back of a beaver). I do love the .17hmr but in my opinon it is not that versatile of a yote gun.