Coyotes can be a significant nuisance, particularly in rural areas, where they may threaten livestock, pets, or even pose a danger to smaller wildlife. While trapping, relocation, or firearm use are all options for dealing with coyotes, a pellet gun offers a more humane, precise, and quiet solution for controlling these wild animals from a safe distance.
Choosing the right pellet gun for coyote control involves selecting a model with enough power, accuracy, and range to ensure that shots are both humane and effective. In this guide, we’ll review the best pellet guns for coyotes, focusing on their caliber, velocity, and overall performance to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Why Use a Pellet Gun for Coyotes?
Pellet guns may not be the first weapon that comes to mind when dealing with coyotes, but they have several key advantages:
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Humane Approach: Pellet guns can provide a quick, humane kill when used correctly, reducing the risk of wounding an animal or causing unnecessary suffering.
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Precision: With proper aim, pellet guns are extremely accurate, allowing for precise shots that are necessary when dealing with larger and faster animals like coyotes.
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Quiet Operation: Compared to firearms, pellet guns produce significantly less noise, making them a quieter option for managing coyotes, especially in suburban or residential areas.
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Cost-Effective: Pellet guns are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, making them a long-term, affordable solution for coyote control.
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Safety: Pellet guns can be used from a safe distance, reducing the risks that come with handling firearms, especially for beginners.
Let’s take a look at the best pellet guns for dealing with coyotes, focusing on power, accuracy, and reliability.
1. Benjamin Marauder .25 Caliber PCP Air Rifle
The Benjamin Marauder is a high-powered, Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) air rifle known for its exceptional accuracy and power. Its .25 caliber is powerful enough to handle larger pests like coyotes, especially in rural or wilderness areas.
Key Features:
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Caliber: .25, which provides a significant amount of power for large pests like coyotes.
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Power: Shoots at up to 900 FPS, delivering enough force to take down a coyote from a distance.
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Accuracy: Renowned for its precision, with a match-grade barrel ensuring tight groupings.
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Quiet Operation: The PCP system minimizes noise, making it an ideal option for discreet hunting.
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Best For: Shooters who need a high-performance, quiet air rifle with consistent power.
Why It’s Great for Coyotes:
The Benjamin Marauder delivers high energy and precision, making it suitable for humanely managing coyotes. The PCP technology ensures you’ll get consistent shots, and the .25 caliber offers enough stopping power for larger animals. Its low noise is a significant bonus for minimizing disruption.
2. Hatsan 135 QE Vortex Gas Piston Air Rifle
The Hatsan 135 QE Vortex is a powerful, gas-piston air rifle that delivers excellent energy and precision. With a choice of .22 or .25 caliber, this gun is built for larger pests like coyotes and offers a mix of power, range, and ease of use.
Key Features:
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Caliber: .22 and .25 options, with .25 being ideal for coyotes.
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Power: Shoots up to 1,200 FPS, providing ample stopping power for coyotes.
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Vortex Gas Piston: Delivers consistent power with reduced recoil, improving accuracy.
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QuietEnergy (QE) Technology: Significantly reduces the sound of each shot.
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Best For: Shooters seeking maximum power and long-range accuracy for coyote control.
Why It’s Great for Coyotes:
The Hatsan 135 QE Vortex is a powerhouse with excellent FPS and range, allowing you to deal with coyotes from a safe distance. The quiet operation combined with the powerful shot makes it a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced shooters.
3. Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN2
The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN2 is a break-barrel pellet gun with an innovative 10-shot magazine, which gives it an edge when dealing with fast-moving pests like coyotes. It’s an ideal choice for those who want both power and convenience.
Key Features:
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Caliber: .22 and .25 calibers are available, with .25 ideal for larger animals.
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Power: Shoots up to 1,300 FPS for quick follow-up shots.
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10-Shot Magazine: This repeater system makes it easier to fire multiple rounds quickly.
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Inert Gas Technology: Provides smoother shooting with less recoil for better accuracy.
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Best For: Shooters who want a multi-shot, high-powered rifle for coyote control.
Why It’s Great for Coyotes:
The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X GEN2 is a great option for those who need rapid follow-up shots while still maintaining a high level of accuracy and power. Its 10-shot magazine allows for quick action, and its high FPS makes it effective for coyote control.
4. Ruger Blackhawk .22 Caliber Pellet Gun
The Ruger Blackhawk is an affordable and reliable spring-powered air rifle that provides solid performance for larger pests. While not as powerful as some of the other rifles, it’s a great entry-level option for those dealing with coyotes at close to medium range.
Key Features:
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Caliber: .22, suitable for coyotes, especially at closer ranges.
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Power: Shoots at 1,000 FPS, offering sufficient power for humane control of smaller to medium-sized coyotes.
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Adjustable Trigger: Provides a customizable shooting experience for better accuracy.
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Rugged Build: Durable synthetic stock for long-lasting use.
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Best For: Shooters looking for an affordable, reliable air rifle for medium-range coyote control.
Why It’s Great for Coyotes:
While it’s not as powerful as PCP models, the Ruger Blackhawk offers a budget-friendly, solid shooting experience with enough power for smaller coyotes or those at close range. It’s perfect for those who don’t need long-range shots but still want reliable power and accuracy.
5. Umarex Gauntlet .22 Caliber PCP Air Rifle
The Umarex Gauntlet is another PCP air rifle that delivers outstanding power and accuracy for large pests like coyotes. It is widely praised for its affordability while offering premium features typically found in higher-end models.
Key Features:
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Caliber: .22, offering a good balance of power and accuracy.
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Power: Shoots at 1,000 FPS, providing enough energy for humane coyote control.
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Precision: Known for its tight shot groups, ideal for taking clean, humane shots.
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High Shot Count: Can shoot up to 60 shots per fill, making it more efficient for extended use.
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Best For: Shooters looking for a cost-effective, high-quality PCP rifle.
Why It’s Great for Coyotes:
The Umarex Gauntlet offers excellent accuracy and power with minimal recoil, making it ideal for coyote control. Its affordable price and long shot count make it a great value for those who need consistent performance over long periods.
Conclusion
When it comes to pellet guns for coyotes, choosing the right gun depends on factors like power, range, and accuracy. Whether you choose the high-performance Benjamin Marauder or the affordable Ruger Blackhawk, each of these pellet guns offers an effective, humane, and safe solution for controlling coyotes.
Remember, always check local regulations regarding wildlife management and make sure to use your pellet gun responsibly. Coyotes can be dangerous, so safety and proper technique are paramount.