what type of firearm for yote hunting in western MN?

[R. Miller]

You can use rifles while varmit hunting in western and southern MN, correct? Just looking to give it a try this year. What's an ideal weapon for yotes?

[picksbigwagon]

I use an ar-15 in 223 but usually hunt se mn and central MN. I think it would be a good weapon in western MN as well. Although I do have a 243 bolt action for windy days shooting 80 grain nosler balistic tips.

I have also used a 12 ga. and a 17hmr but the 17 was on a farm that I knew had fox on it and I was hoping to get the big one I had seen deer hunting, I didn't.....

[Rippinlip]

I use a 25-06, not looking for good capes when I am done, just want them dead..

Gun has one heck of a range, and more punch to it at longer yardage than some rifles, I have shot some others that I like, the .223 and the 22-250 are probably most recommended and I would agree, but I wanted something that qualifies for big game also, you know the budget thing.

I do like my 25-06 and would take it over the .223 and the 22-250 anyday.

IMO

Mark

[WalleyeGod]

I do some walking when yote hunting and find my .22 centerfires heavy with the way they are set up so decided to to put together a walking yote package. Decided on a Browning Micro Hunter LH in .243 with a 3-9 Nikon on it. My daughter could use it deer hunting as well was also the plan.

The only thing I don't like is the chrome looking bolt when I am calling. The thing must stick out like a sore thumb at times. Might have to put together something else in more of a camo pattern. AR-15 perhaps......?

WG

[Dave S]

Although I do have a 243 bolt action for windy days shooting 80 grain nosler balistic tips.

How big of an exit hole does that leave? I'm shooting a .223 with 40 gr. ballistic tips and have catastrophic results.

[picksbigwagon]

never tagged one with the 243 yet. I don't save the hides but have had non-exits with 55 gr. Hornady Vmax bullets, they are also pin point accurate with my hand loads. One day I will tag one that is hat worthy. My sister in law's ex boyfriend was the fur guy, he shot a 22-250 with 40 grain pills and let golf ball size exit wounds.

I am hoping to get out a little more this winter chasing coyotes. have a couple spots close to me, but just need that time.....one place would be great if we can get in without being seen...........

[motley man]

I have used 243 and 22-250 and had great result's. If you are looking to keep the fur, don't use the ballistic tips as they blow out on exit. I use regular loads in the 55 gran or bigger. Just remember that yotes are tough and you must make good shots just like hunting deer. I have chased them for miles after a shoulder shot.

[harvey lee]

I use to use a 22-250 but now use a .223. Both are great calibers. I have never worried about the pelts too much so I have shot a bit larger bullet.

I have been happy with Hornady bullets. I shoot those in many of my center-fire guns and my muzzleloader soon

[Dave S]

I am hoping to get out a little more this winter chasing coyotes. have a couple spots close to me, but just need that time.....one place would be great if we can get in without being seen...........

I might have a fix on a couple places also. Only issue is there's 20-some miles between them with a couple spots between. If I can gain access onto these areas, I'll keep you posted if you're interested. Da_Chise31 went out with me last year, but it was more of a daytime hunt. If we get some snow on the ground, a night time hunt would be good.

As far as the golf ball sized holes from ballistic tips, the one that I shot with the .223 left a soccer ball sized exit hole. But then again, it was only 10 yards away .

[picksbigwagon]

Night hunt could be a possibility. We have double basketball seasons going this winter and a 2 yr. old....Night time could be best....Keep me in mind