i would like to get into coyote hunting and wanted to know if you could hunt them with a .22? my guess is you would need something with a bit more power. again i am new to coyote hunting.

That's where many of us started. However - the diminutive .22 LR loses its effectiveness almost by the foot. Though it's all I had available when I was a kid running a trapline, my shots were generally less than 25 yards and typically head shots.

Given that coyotes are crafty little buggers, you're not going to get them in close enough for the .22 to be other than marginally effective unless you've got one in a trap.

Nonetheless, there's a lot one can learn about coyotes with a .22, one of the earliest lessons will more likely than not be "I need a centerfire."

I tend to agree. The .22 can be used....what cant it be used on?....but more than likely you will get frustrated with its limited range and power.

Two great answers !



.......and if you can get them that close, use a shotgun.

You want to put them right down.

I use my Ruger 10/22 For just about all small game and plan on using it on coyotes( for trapping). But for calling coyotes these are not the right bullets(like everyone said above)
I shoot 32 grain .22 bullets and at 100 yards they lose half of their kinectic energy and drop about 14 inches.(however just yesterday I sighted it in at 100 yards and shot a 2" group after 40 shots, also I had to take the scope 20 clicks up from it's previous setting which was 25 yards) So the answer is "yes" you can but no you really shouldn't.
Just my opinion †hough I have heard of people shooting coyotes and 200 yards with .22's

thanks guys

Gotta agree with Sheridan... At the ranges a .22lr is effective, a shotgun with buckshot is even more effective.

If you only have a .22lr, then yes, a .22lr will work at short ranges. Like some of the other guys, I've used a .22lr for trapping coyotes for years, but these shots are usually within 10yrds. I've also used a .22lr for hunting coyotes, but only at a range where I could guarantee clean head shots. Although, I have recovered coyotes shot within 75yrds that had .22slugs squished against the outside of their skull (Thank God for semiautomatics).

It'll work until you can get a new rifle. A great option for a budget coyote rifle is an H&R Handi-Rifle in .223 or .243win for about $250...

Another side note: Today at cabelas I noticed a savage edge bolt action in .223 selling for $299(not on sale) which is pretty cheap as .223's go.
Check it out, the reviews say it's a really good rifle.

I agree with everyone here a 22 will work but it's range would be limited to around 40 yards. Also the handi rifle would be a good option but if you gotta deer rifle itl kill em just as dead just may tear up the pelt. Also a shotgun works good too.

If you HAVE to use a .22 on coyotes, use a .22 magnum. I've shot coyotes out to 100 yards with my .22 magnums. They were humane kills too.