How to Hunt Coyotes With a .22

Coyotes are considered small-game in many states throughout the US and as such, have specific hunting seasons. In other states, coyotes are considered varmints and can be hunted anytime. In either case, coyote hunting is popular and .22 caliber rifles are powerful enough to take the animal. There are several .22 caliber cartridges suitable for coyote hunting, but maximum range, terminal velocity and noise should be considered when planning a coyote hunt. Acceptable cartridges include the .22 Hornet, Remington .222, Remington .223, Remington .22-250, .220 Swift and similar cartridges.

Things You'll Need

  • .22 caliber rifle
  • Camouflage clothing
  • Game area map
  • Binoculars
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the appropriate bullet type for the .22 cartridge you will use. Rapidly expanding, varmint-rated bullets transfer maximum energy to the game animal and ensure a fast, humane kill. Full-metal jackets are a poor choice because they will enter and exit the animal without transferring sufficient energy to quickly kill the animal and may result in dangerous ricochets.

    • 2

      Sight your rifle in before beginning a hunt with the exact bullet type that you will be using during the hunt. Ensure that you know your mid-range trajectory, which is the highest bullet rise, and your maximum effective range, which is the greatest bullet drop for which you can compensate. Do not shoot animals at ranges greater than your maximum effective range. In most cases, this will be approximately 300 yards for .22 caliber rifles, but some high-power cartridges are used out to 400 yards.

    • 3

      Use a game map obtained from the local State Fish and Game office to select a hunting area. Scout the area several weeks before your planned hunt to familiarize yourself with geographic features, animals movements and weather conditions. While scouting, use binoculars and wear camouflage so that you do not disturb the animals.

    • 4

      Select an observation position. The observation position should allow you to see the greatest area of land where you previously observed game animals. Begin your hunt at the observation position by looking for coyotes moving through the area. Binoculars will help.

    • 5

      Move to a shooting position based on the movement of the observed coyotes. Move within shooting range, based on the maximum effective range of your rifle, and be aware of the area beyond the coyote so that any bullet that penetrates the animal does not endanger other people. In some cases, your observation position will be your shooting position.

    • 6

      Aim to hit the coyote midway between the upper and lower portion of the body, just behind the front leg. This will result in the bullet hitting the heart and lung area and produce a quick, humane kill. Getting this shooting angle will require waiting for a side-shot.

    • 7

      Remove and dispose of the carcass after the coyote has been shot. In some cases, the hide can be harvested.