Why winter is coyote season
Coyote calling picks up after deer season in much of the country. Pelts are prime in the cold months, coyotes are hungry and responsive to calls, and many ranchers welcome predator control. In many states coyotes can be hunted year-round, but rules on licenses, hours, lights and electronic calls vary widely, so check your state wildlife agency before you go.
Coyotes are not big animals. Adults are often in the 20 to 40 pound range depending on region. What makes them challenging is range and toughness for their size: shots can be anywhere from a few yards on a close call to a few hundred yards across a field.
The three bullet styles you'll see
| Bullet type | How it behaves | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer-tipped varmint (V-Max style) | Opens very fast, often fragments | Quick kills, open-country shots | Can leave large exit wounds that ruin fur |
| Hollow point varmint | Fast expansion, less violent than some tipped designs | All-around predator use | Varies by load |
| Soft point | Slower, more controlled expansion | Fur hunters, larger coyotes | May pass through without dropping as quickly |
| Full metal jacket | Doesn't expand | Not recommended | Wounds and runs; may be illegal for some game |
FMJ range ammo is a poor choice for coyotes. A non-expanding bullet can zip through a small animal and leave a wounded coyote that runs off. Our guide to hunting with FMJ ammo explains why expanding bullets are the ethical standard.
Picking a caliber
.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
The most common coyote cartridge, partly because so many hunters already own an AR-15 or a bolt-action .223. It shoots flat, recoils lightly so you can watch your hits, and ammunition is widely available. Varmint loads in the 40 to 55 grain range are typical. Our best 5.56 ammo guide covers the cartridge more broadly.
.243 Winchester
A step up in reach and wind resistance. Light varmint bullets (around 55 to 87 grains) shoot very flat, and the same rifle can handle deer with heavier bullets. That makes the .243 a natural choice for hunters who want one rifle for both. See our .243 Winchester ammo guide.
.22 WMR and .17 HMR
Rimfire magnums are quiet, cheap to shoot and fine for close calling setups where most coyotes come in tight. Keep shots short; the .22 WMR loses energy quickly. Some states restrict rimfires for certain animals, so check first. Our rimfire comparison covers the differences.
Larger cartridges
Plenty of coyotes fall to deer rifles like the 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 during deer season. It works, but expect more fur damage and more recoil than you need.
Our picks
Fur damage: what to expect
If you plan to sell or tan pelts, bullet choice matters. Fast-fragmenting varmint bullets tend to cause bigger exit holes. Hunters who care about fur often:
- Use soft points or slower-opening bullets.
- Choose smaller calibers and lighter loads.
- Aim for shot placement that avoids the hindquarters and spine.
If you're shooting for predator control and don't care about the pelt, a fast-expanding varmint bullet is the more forgiving choice for quick kills.
Legal checks before you go
Coyote rules are among the most varied in hunting. Before you buy ammo or head out, look up your state's current regulations for:
- Whether you need a license or permit, and season dates if any.
- Night hunting, lights, thermal and night vision restrictions.
- Electronic call rules.
- Caliber or rimfire restrictions, especially during deer season.
- Lead-free ammunition requirements in specific areas.
- Private land permission and public land rules.
Practice and zero
Coyotes rarely give you a second chance. Zero your rifle with the exact load you'll hunt with, and confirm it in cold weather if you hunt in winter. Our cold weather ammo guide explains why zero can shift. Practice from the positions you'll actually use, like sitting with shooting sticks, and know your holdovers out to your maximum ethical range.
Setups, distances and shot placement
Your calling setup often tells you which load makes sense. Coyotes may come straight in at close range in timber and brush, or hang up at a distance in open fields.
- Close cover: shots are often under 100 yards. A rimfire magnum or a .223 with any good varmint bullet works.
- Open fields and pastures: shots may stretch out. A .223 or .243 with a flat-shooting tipped bullet and a magnified optic helps.
- Mixed terrain: a .223 or .243 handles both. Know your holdovers.
Aim for the heart-lung area just behind the front leg. Coyotes are small, and a hit too far back can leave a wounded animal that runs off. If a coyote stops broadside, take your time. A barking or howling sound can sometimes stop a trotting coyote long enough for a steady shot.
Shotguns for coyotes
In thick cover, some hunters use a 12 gauge with heavy shot or buckshot for close, fast shots. Check your state's rules on shotgun loads for coyotes, and pattern your load at realistic distances. Our shot size chart covers the pellet sizes.
Buying enough of one load
Once you find a load your rifle shoots well, buy enough from one lot to zero, practice and hunt a full season. Varmint loads can go out of stock, and switching loads mid-season means re-zeroing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best caliber for coyotes?
The .223 Remington and .243 Winchester are the most popular choices. Both shoot flat with manageable recoil. The .22 WMR works for close setups.
Is a .22 LR enough for coyotes?
It's generally considered marginal. It has little energy and range margin, and some states don't allow it for coyotes. A centerfire or .22 WMR is a better choice.
Can I use FMJ for coyotes?
It's not recommended. FMJ bullets don't expand and can wound rather than kill. Use a varmint or soft-point hunting bullet.
What bullet saves the most fur?
Slower-expanding soft points and smaller calibers generally cause less pelt damage than fast-fragmenting varmint bullets.
Can I hunt coyotes at night?
It depends on your state. Some allow it with restrictions on lights or equipment; others don't. Check current rules with your state wildlife agency.
Editorial note: This guide is based on manufacturer information, retailer listings and published references. We haven't tested these loads hands-on. Hunting laws, specifications, stock and prices change, so check your state's current rules and the retailer listing before buying. We may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.