Coyote's and shotguns

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I've been watching some Predator hunting shows recently and have a question. When they are using a shotgun, what load are they using in their 12 ga. And I'm assuming it's a full choke?

My only coyote kill was during BP deer season with a .50 cal Hawkins rifle, and he's a shoulder mount on my wall.

Thanks

 

[allaroundhunter]

I have used #4 buck out of a modified choke because it gives me the best pattern out to about 45 yards, but I am not sure what is used on TV. I know that Hevi-Shot markets one of their lines as "Dead Coyote".

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[wankerjake]

#4 buck is very popular, usually out of a full/extra full type choke. Hevi-Shot's "Dead Coyote" is size T shot, also popular but expensive. Some folks use BB as well. Most folks are effective to around 50 yards, I think ~60 yards is generally considered max range, kind of depends on the pattern of the individual shotgun.

I use #4 buck mostly, I prefer 40 yards or closer. I'm adequate to about 50 yards. I'm running an extra full predator choke (Johnny Stewart or Carlson, can't remember). Shotgunning predators is very fun. I like to knock them down at close range.

 

[One_Jackal]

Most coyotes I see are in some form of cover. Forty yards is a long shot. The only time I get a long distance shot on a coyote is when dogs are running it. Then the shots aren't that long - I use a 9mm carbine for dog hunts.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

Thanks, very informative. Maybe gives me a new hunting venue. I just bought a weatherby SA-08 with a 28 inch barrel. Think I'll try some #4 with the full choke and see how it patterns.

 

[allaroundhunter]

An electronic or mouth call and decoy and some good camo are the key to bringing them in close to shotgun range, at least the have been for me. I try to use an electronic critter decoy and set it out about 30 yards in front of me. I had one dog in high grass actually jump the decoy before I even knew he was there!

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[45crittergitter]

Les Johnson (I think that's his name) on Predator Quest uses #4 Buckshot. At the time I asked, it was whatever brand he happened to have, but I think he now has Hornady as a sponsor....

 

[MCgunner]

All the coyotes I've ever shot were with my .308 when I was deer/hog hunting. It seemed to be enough gun. One of 'em I took at 370 yards. BEAT THAT with dead coyote loads. ROFLMAO! Not sure the attraction of using a shotgun to kill yotes, but hey, whatever turns ya on.

OH, edit, I did shoot one with 7.5 dove loads once, about 25 yards, knocked him off his front feet as I hit him in the forward section. He got up and ran off. I can say for sure, 7.5s ain't the trick set up in 12 gauge. But, then, I was actually dove hunting when this thing was running right for me. I was leaning against a tree and he saw me when I swung around on him. Rancher had told me to shoot all the yotes I saw, so I was just obeying orders. I'm sure the thing died somewhere, eventually.

 

[T.R.]

I've had good luck with my 16 gauge and #1 buckshot. (full choke)

TR

 

[buck460XVR]

I have killed many a 'yote with 12 ga.turkey loads and turkey chokes. Most of these were within 30 yards while turkey hunting. For some reason they like turkey calls and lifelike turkey decoys. If I'm out callin' 'yotes with the shotgun, I like #2s or buckshot.

 

[wankerjake]

Not sure the attraction of using a shotgun to kill yotes, but hey, whatever turns ya on.

I didn't really see the appeal either but my calling partner was adamant that it was awesome so I kept trying. Was a firm believer after I shot my first dog. It's just plain fun to get them with a scatter gun. It is the best choice for hunting thick stuff where you don't have time to get a scoped rifle on a dog when they're in and out quickly. It's also easy on hides. Not important for me on dogs, but it shines for bobcats and fox (situations where I'd keep a pelt).There have been dogs that got away because they stayed out of shotgun range, but there have also been dogs that got away because I didn't have a shotgun.

The shotgun has certainly earned its place on stand, and there is a HUGE following for shotgunning dogs in the predator hunting circles.

 

[One_Jackal]

Most dog owners are very picky about who they allow to carry a rifle when their dogs are running. Even with a 9mm carbine I have to pass on a lot of shots because the dogs are less than 50 yards behind the coyote who is running right at me.

It really isn't important that the coyote is shot right away. The coyote packs scatter after the hounds run for a while. it makes for an all night hunt with few breaks in the action.