What We Keep Loaded When Coyotes Start Circling the Coop
Coyotes don’t play by the rules—and they definitely don’t care if it’s broad daylight or a fenced yard. When they start showing up near the chicken coop, we don’t wait around. These are the firearms we keep ready for quick access when things start getting too close for comfort.
.22 Magnum Rifle
If we need to take a clean, quiet shot without waking up the whole county, the .22 mag is our go-to. It’s light, quick, and accurate up close or at a distance. It doesn’t over-penetrate, and it gives you enough punch to drop a coyote without wrecking the coop fence behind it.
12-Gauge with Buckshot
When the situation feels tense and fast-moving, the 12-gauge comes out. Buckshot gives you stopping power with a little forgiveness on aim—helpful if you’re running outside half-awake in your boots. We keep it loaded and tucked in a safe spot we can get to fast.
9mm Pistol
This isn’t our first choice, but it’s often the closest thing when we’re out doing chores. A full mag of 9mm hollow points will do the trick if needed, but accuracy matters more. If you go this route, make sure you’re confident hitting a small moving target.
.22 LR Rifle (With a Caveat)
We’ve used a .22 LR plenty of times on varmints, but it has its limits with coyotes. If you’re a sharp shot and can hit the head or vital zone, it’ll work. But it’s not the most humane option unless you’ve got a clear, calm setup. We’ll still keep it around for smaller pests or backup.
Lever-Action .30-30
If the coyotes are getting bold and hanging back out in the pasture, a .30-30 will reach them clean. It’s got power without being overkill for medium-sized predators, and the lever action’s quick enough to take a second shot if needed. Plus, it’s reliable no matter the weather.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
