im usaly a fan of the 17hmr and it will down a yote, but its not ideal. a 223 would be a beter choise and the ammo is cheaper thena the 243 wich does lots of damage to yoet pelts. 223 is large for gophers but its fun to shoot. in that price range you might have to look at a H&R handi rifle. its a single shot break action but its cheap but sitll accurate.