I would like to purchase a semi-auto Shotgun for Coyote, Fisher and Bobcat hunting. What camo Shotgun would you recommend and what factory loads should I use to cause the least fur damage for each? I thank you in advance for your assistance.

I have not used a lot of auto's so I'm only going to say that the one Benelli and one Rem 1100 both worked when I used them. The Benelli does have an excellent rep. I have used camo paint or bow tape to camo guns as I see no reason to pay much extra for camo. I use mostly pumps, and have used an 870 with modified choke, and a Benelli Nova with a mod choke, and have used different loads. If you think they'll be in your lap then a smaller buckshot load will have fewer holes and be leathal. I have used mostly Fed copper BB's or Win #2 or #3 buck. May have even tried bigger but can't remember for sure. I have #3's in the safe now. Nate

Mau Mau,
What you need is a 12 or 10 ga with a tight choke. Fill any with that description with BB's or 4 buck and you are ready to slay them. I have used my pumps; fast handling and light to carry but recoil is slightly greater. I mostly use my SP 10 because it has greater range but it is too heavy for some people. That means slower swing and more to lug to the field. If you need the gun to be multi purpose, just select a pump or auto in 12ga with screw in chokes. There are plenty to choose from as Nate pointed out. I reserve my doubles for bird hunting. When chasing critters it is always useful to have additional shots. Most of the time three shots is plenty but on some occasions I have had to reload, although mostly for finish work. Now, for what you WANT...more is always better.

Thank you for the your advice! I will be purchasing a Benelli and look forward to the Hunt.

Mau Mau......I don't use a semi-auto on coyote but have used a pump gun in a Remington 870 Express for coyotes and turkeys. My loads are 3 inch #2 buck shot for up close and personal on yotes and 3 inch #5's on turkeys.

I have a couple of semi-auto's (1100 Rem upland hunting & Benelli for ducks) never even thought about using them on predators.

TONK

Thank a Vet,

Long range guns have received plenty of press over the years. Many hunters do not think of a smoothbore as a coyote gun. Seldom were there articles on shotguns as critter guns. I have probably shot as many daytime critters with a shotgun as with a rifle. There are plenty of coyotes that spend their daytime hours in thicker cover.

When I first started hunting coyotes, I drove past many thick areas because it didn't look like the pictures of open pasture shown in the magazines. Now I work those areas more and drive less miles.

Any 12 full choke will work but Benelli is a fine top of the line choice.

Thanks Guys..In New Hampshire where I live the forest is very thick, and I need all of the help I can get when I 'finally' call one in.

Many of the different shotguns will do the job. I use an 870 also, painted camo for the season(winter,fall, etc.) and the biggest diference is I have switched over to T shot steel, it will penatrate completely from one end to the other at 60 yards. I know everyone says that steel is not effective, but it works real well on coyotes.

I just picked up a Benelli M1 Super 90 that I am going to start taking for a backup/close shots. It has a 18.5 barrel with a full choke which I thought maybe to short but I went and shot some skeet with it today and it did great.

I think that any gun you feel comfortable with should be just fine. Most people feel bad about painting or taping an expensive or good-looking gun, so you might look at a few hockshops, or other places for used guns, and base your choice on what you see. A short barrel would be the best choice, as it would be easier to swing. A hacksaw will make a barrel exactly the right length for what you need. I use #4 Buck, so a minimum of choke works just fine. A whole bunch of those little 6mm balls will knock a 'yote for a loop and not tear the hide all up, if that's important. My choice has been an H&R 3" 12ga over/under, for over 20 years, now.

quote:

Originally posted by venado:
Thank a Vet,

Long range guns have received plenty of press over the years. Many hunters do not think of a smoothbore as a coyote gun. Seldom were there articles on shotguns as critter guns. I have probably shot as many daytime critters with a shotgun as with a rifle. There are plenty of coyotes that spend their daytime hours in thicker cover.

When I first started hunting coyotes, I drove past many thick areas because it didn't look like the pictures of open pasture shown in the magazines. Now I work those areas more and drive less miles.

Any 12 full choke will work but Benelli is a fine top of the line choice.

True words. Esp when you hunt in thick stuff.

I see that I am late on this subject. Part of my job representing several companies is testing chokes.

I use a Benelli SBE, and a Mosberg 835 for the testing. I have tested the Carlson Hevishot choke in my Benelli with Hevishot Dead Coyote T's. If the picture comes out you will see that I placed 7 T's in a 12" X 12" target at 70 yards. Five of the pellets are in the 8" black. I have penetrated a Coyotes skull at 60 yards with this load. The Benelli has to be the finest shotgun I have ever owned in my 61 years.