Coyotes and Their Hunting Habits
Understanding Coyotes
The call of the wild can be irresistible, especially when it leads you to the pursuit of cunning predators. For many hunters, the coyote represents a challenging yet rewarding quarry. Their intelligence, adaptability, and wary nature make them a true test of skill. When it comes to taking on these elusive canids, the 12 gauge shotgun often stands as a formidable tool. But simply owning a shotgun isn’t enough; success hinges on choosing the perfect coyote loads to tip the odds in your favor. This guide will delve into the critical aspects of selecting the best shotgun shells to ensure ethical, effective, and ultimately, successful coyote hunting. We’ll explore everything from pellet sizes and shot types to choke selection and best practices, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the field.
Ethical Hunting
Coyotes are fascinating creatures. They thrive in diverse habitats, ranging from open plains and deserts to forests and even suburban environments. Their ability to adapt and exploit available resources contributes to their widespread presence across North America. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal, although they are often active during dawn and dusk. They are intelligent hunters, relying on keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing. This makes approaching and harvesting them with a shotgun a calculated endeavor.
The Role of the Shotgun
Ethical hunting is paramount. The goal should always be a clean and humane kill. This means selecting the right loads to deliver sufficient energy to quickly incapacitate the animal, minimizing suffering. Respect for the animal is also essential. Knowing your effective range and taking only ethical shots are crucial components of responsible hunting. Always comply with all local hunting regulations regarding legal shooting hours, permitted ammunition, and any specific restrictions on hunting coyotes.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Coyote Loads
Pellet Size and Weight
The shotgun is a versatile tool for predator hunting, offering advantages in certain situations. It provides a wide spread of shot, increasing the chance of a hit at closer ranges, which can be beneficial when calling coyotes in. However, the shotgun’s effective range is limited. Beyond a certain distance, the shot pattern spreads, reducing the chance of a lethal hit. The shotgun excels in dense cover or areas where long-range shots aren’t feasible. It’s crucial to understand these limitations.
Shot Types
When selecting your coyote loads, several key factors must be considered to maximize your chances of success.
Understanding the role of the pellet is essential. The size and weight of the pellets greatly impact the pattern density and penetration, directly influencing the killing power. For coyotes, larger pellets are generally preferred, as they carry more energy and are capable of delivering the impact necessary for a quick and ethical kill.
Pellet Size Selection:
Larger pellet sizes like BB, T, and F are frequently used. BB pellets have a decent compromise between penetration and pellet count in the shell. T shot delivers even greater penetration, suitable for longer ranges, but comes with a lower pellet count. F shot has the highest penetration power and is suited for longer-range engagements but at the expense of a lower pellet count in the shell. Each choice presents its own pros and cons, emphasizing the need to choose based on the environment and range.
Shot Material Types:
Steel Shot: In some areas, steel shot is mandated due to environmental concerns. Steel generally has lower density than lead, which affects penetration. Steel pellets are lighter than lead, which means a hunter will have to use bigger steel pellets to get the same energy as lead. Steel is an effective option, especially when used in conjunction with the correct pellet size and choke.
Lead Shot: Historically the most popular choice for hunting, lead provides exceptional performance due to its higher density, resulting in superior penetration. However, restrictions on lead ammunition are becoming increasingly common in certain areas, particularly those with waterfowl hunting. Lead offers great performance and consistent patterns when chosen wisely.
Tungsten and Premium Loads: These offer the highest density, resulting in superior penetration at longer ranges. They are typically more expensive but provide excellent performance. They may be a viable option in areas with lead restrictions. Tungsten also holds its shape better than lead on impact and typically offers greater effective range.
Choke Selection
The choke plays a pivotal role in pattern density and overall range. It constricts the shot pattern as it leaves the barrel, allowing you to control the spread of the pellets.
Choke Constriction:
Modified chokes generally deliver a good balance between pattern density and effective range. Improved Modified or Full chokes are often selected when hunters anticipate longer shots. Testing your shotgun with the loads you plan to use is vital to determine the best choke for your needs.
Pattern Testing:
To ensure a tight and effective pattern, always test your loads and choke combinations by shooting at a target at various distances. The goal is to see how the pellets are distributed at different ranges. This will help you determine your maximum effective range and enable you to make ethical shots.
Shell Length and Gauge
Shell length is another important aspect. Shell length directly influences the amount of shot that can be contained in the shell. Larger shells generally permit the use of more pellets, allowing for denser patterns, leading to greater chances of a hit.
Choosing Shell Length:
A three-inch shell is commonly used for coyote hunting in the 12 gauge, providing a greater payload compared to the standard two-and-three-quarter-inch option. Ultimately, the choice of shell length depends on your shotgun’s capabilities and personal preference. However, remember that the increased recoil can be a factor with longer shells.
Velocity and Ballistics
The velocity and ballistics of the load are critical. Higher velocities provide a flatter trajectory and more energy on impact, which can result in a more effective kill.
Velocity and Energy:
Look for loads that provide high velocities. This is often marked on the shell. Pay attention to the foot-per-second (fps) rating, as this indicates how fast the pellets are traveling. Faster velocities contribute to increased range and more efficient impact.
Popular 12 Gauge Coyote Load Options
Lead Loads
Here are some popular load options for hunting coyotes, focusing on different shell materials and performance characteristics.
Lead shot remains a reliable choice where it is permitted.
Example Brands: Winchester, Remington, and Federal offer excellent lead loads.
Pellet Sizes: BB, T, and F are common choices. The best choice should be based on the range, choke, and gun characteristics.
Steel Loads
Steel Loads
Example Brands: Many of the same manufacturers produce steel loads. Look for loads specifically designed for predator hunting.
Pellet Sizes: Due to the lower density of steel, you will usually need to select bigger pellets than the lead. The appropriate size for a given range depends on the hunter’s choke and the characteristics of the shotgun.
Tungsten and Premium Loads
Tungsten and Premium Loads
These provide the best performance where cost is less of a concern.
Example Brands: Federal and Hevi-Shot are among the manufacturers that offer quality tungsten loads.
Shot Characteristics: Tungsten provides greater pellet density, leading to tighter patterns at longer distances.
Best Practices for Coyote Hunting with a 12 Gauge
Patterning Your Shotgun
Beyond the shell itself, employing best practices is also essential.
Importance of Patterning: The process of pattern testing will tell you how effectively your load and choke combination is performing. It allows you to identify the effective range and pattern density.
Patterning Procedures: Set up a large paper target at a known distance. The common range to pattern a shotgun is 40 yards, but the range should be determined according to the type of terrain and the expected shot distance. Fire a shot at the target. Examine the pattern to see how the pellets are distributed, and note the density and consistency of the pattern.
Range Estimation
Estimating Distance: Crucial for ethical hunting. It allows you to assess the probability of a successful and humane harvest.
Rangefinders and Techniques: Utilizing a rangefinder is a great way to achieve proper distance estimation, and they are relatively affordable.
Shot Placement
Optimal Placement: Coyotes are very sensitive to head shots. A headshot can result in an immediate kill. However, headshots can be challenging. Shots to the body, specifically the vital areas like the chest, are frequently favored for humane kills.
Safety Precautions
Gun Safety Rules: Always adhere to basic gun safety rules. Point your gun in a safe direction at all times, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection.
Hunting Tips
Hunting Tips: Decoys and Calls: Many hunters use decoys and calls to attract coyotes to the shot location.
Scouting and Setup: Scouting the area before hunting is crucial. Finding the right locations, such as trails and feeding areas, gives the hunter the highest probability of success. Set up downwind of the area the hunter anticipates coyotes appearing to keep the wind in the hunter’s favor and to avoid detection by the coyote’s keen sense of smell.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coyote loads for your 12 gauge is a multifaceted decision. By considering factors like pellet size, shot type, choke selection, and understanding the characteristics of these predators, you can significantly increase your success in the field. Remember, the goal isn’t just about harvesting an animal; it’s about ethical hunting, respect for the environment, and the thrill of the chase.
Before heading out, invest time in researching and experimenting with different loads to find the optimal combination for your shotgun, hunting style, and terrain. The perfect coyote loads will ultimately depend on many factors, but with careful consideration and preparation, you can confidently select shells that will deliver the performance you need. Good luck, and be safe out there!
