Beyond understanding the anatomy, the size of the coyote impacts the shot placement. Their vital zone comprising of, liver, lunges and heart is relatively small when compared to big game.

  • On an average, adult coyotes are no larger than 18 inches down through the ribs making margin for error extremely tight. Judging rate becomes critical and it is easy to shoot low and hit nothing vital. More fur hangs below the ribs compared to above, making the visible target even smaller.
  • If a coyote is facing you head on, the vital zone is just 3 to 3.5 inches. The neck tends to look wide because of the fur and spine, and shots here are destined to wound non-lethally.

Tip: Practice on life-sized targets with realistic vital zone markers to build familiarity with coyote’s anatomy. Refine your shots through the shoulders for efficient and ethical shots.

Understanding Coyote Shot Placement

Ideal Coyote Shot Placement

Coyotes are smart, cunning, and quick. Before you start aiming at your target, consider the following:

  1. Elevation: You may require adjusting your aim based on uphill or downhill for an accurate shot.
  2. Distance: Longer distances require adjusting your aim to compensate for bullet drop and effective penetration. Hunt your coyote from within 50 yards for an accurate shot.

    Note: The firearm and scope combination can impact your maximum shooting range.
  3. Temperature: Extreme temperatures and humidity can slightly affect the bullet trajectory.
  4. Target’s position: Broadside presents an ideal shot with the largest vital exposure when compared to quarter-away or head-on that might give a small vital area to focus on.
  5. Vital Organs: Aim at the vital organs (lungs and the heart), located directly behind the front legs for a humane and swift take down.
  1. Behind the Shoulder: For best penetration, target the area that is slightly behind the shoulder.
  2. Broadside Shot: A broadside shot offers a larger target area making it one of the best shots to hit the vital organs effectively.
  3. Shots to Avoid: For a humane harvest, avoid headshots (due to small target size, the likelihood of causing a non-fatal injury is high) and shielded areas (shooting areas where bone density is higher like shoulder blade or skull might slow down bullets).

Tip: During long-range shots or positioned in a challenging terrain, use bipods or tripods to provide stable shooting platform, reduce fatigue and improve your accuracy by minimizing recoil. This becomes important for ethically hunting coyotes as they require precise placement.

Use tripods for extended periods of glassing to spot coyotes at a distance in open areas.

The Best Firearm for Coyote Hunting

Selecting the right firearm, caliber and bullet type can make all the difference when it comes to successful hunting. Choose a firearm that offers reliability, accuracy, and adequate firepower to neutralize coyote effectively.

One of the best choices for coyote hunting are bolt action, or semi-automatic rifles. For increased penetration and lethality, opt for a heavy load with larger shot sizes to increase the chances of making a clean shot at greater distances.

How to Pick Calibers for Coyote Hunting


Like golf clubs, its important to consider your caliber choices for the best outcome. Understand and use the right gear based on hunting situations and your intentions.

All Rounder: .223 Remmington:

For predator hunting such as foxes, bobcats, and especially coyotes, an all-round caliber is the .223 Remmington. For many, this is a go-to as it can be used from 50 yards out to 300 yards and still get an accurate shot. Hunters love the .223 Remmington for its lightness, availability in market,, and its capability for reasonable pelt damage.

Go the Distance: 6.5 Creedmoor

Although 6.5 Creedmoor is a popular choice for deer hunting, hunters still lean on this if they see a coyote from several hundred yards away. The 6.5 Creedmoor can keep its velocity at longer distances and have enough power for a knockdown.

Coyote Specific: .22-250

The .22-250 is one of the most preferred coyote calibers for its accuracy and flat shooting abilities. Like .223, the .22-250 is easily available and works excellent on bobcats and foxes too. It is known for taking down coyotes from a close range to several hundred yards away.

The Most Versatile: .243 Winchester

The .243 Winchester is known for its versatility and is the perfect crossover caliber from deer to predators. This can shoot smaller grain bullets at fast speeds, has great knockdown power even in longer distances.

Rimfire:

Although coyotes are considered thin skinned, they are tougher than other vermin. A deeper penetrating .22WMR delivers precision and it is better suited for coyotes.