Hunting Coyotes and Fox with Shotguns

[mheath]

Does anyone recommend a good choke and shot size for hunting Coyotes and fox with a 12 gauge Remmington 11-87 supper mag.

[Bowhunters]

I'd suggest using big lead shot, modified choke and you will need to get them in close to kill them.

I shot a couple coyotes at 20-30yds with #6 bird shot while quail and pheasant hunting in western Kansas over the years and #6 field loads didn't kill either one right there on the spot with both getting away.

Don't know if they died later or not but if I were forced to hunting them with a shotgun i'd try #2's at as close a range as possible.

I'd suggest a rifle if you have one, its going to be tough to call in coyotes to a good shotgun killing range.

[ironhead]

Use #2 shot is a good idea,,rifle is better. I have killed coyote with 16 guage,,i dont recommed it though. My question what scent will work best to get fox to traps?

[backwoodsman]

I trap most of my yotes and fox's. For a shotgun I prefer 12ga. 3" mixed 2's and 4's if you handload if not factory 4's for fox, 2's for yotes. BB loads for yotes are good too if you can find them and they are legal for you. Headshots on fox are best with BB loads. I try to guess what will respond the most at a given time. Full choke is best, nothing wider then modified. Ive got an extended tube extra full turkey choke that works good. Ive also got an old single shot 12ga full choke that'll reach out and whack'em, kicks like a mule. You may have more success with a rifle but yotes can be called into shotgun range with regularity. Personaly we usually have a rifle and shotgun along. We have taken fox's and yotes at the same setup with rifle and shotgun. Back in the 80's I called in 3 reds one night and took all 3 with a Remington 1100. Waited about 20 minutes and as the sun was coming up a yote walked into the call at about 60 yards and took him with a .222. Hard to say what'll work better for you on a given hunt as far as gun type.

[backwoodsman]

Ironhead most commercial lures work good. One I depended on alot is Russ Carmen Pro's choice. Sold in 1 oz. bottles now for around $4. Bait will work some, meat base baits are best for reds. Grey fox like fruity baits also. Traps have to be clean.

[cjg]

#4 buck or hevi shot dead coyote, I use a xfull turkey choke. I tried using BBs night hunting where shots were close, but ended up losing them after the shot.