4 buckshot

[M.T. Pockets]

catcaddy, I hunt deer in a slug only zone and many coyotes are shot by deer hunters with their slug guns. On average, I don't think a slug will cause any more damage than a rifle due to the lower velocity. A slug will sure give you more range than buckshot, it depends on what distance you expect your shots to be. I'd recommend the old fashioned fostor type slugs, these will be the cheapest ones you can find and would cause the least pelt damage.

I've shot a couple coyotes with a shotgun while bird hunting and found that they can take quite a load of shot and keep running, multiple shots from a birdgun can really mess up a pelt. I would think #4 buck would be pretty good out as far as your shotgun patterns them, 50-60 yards. But one pellet in the ribs isn't going to stop them in their tracks and you'll likely end up shooting at them more than once, causing more pelt damage.

Go hunting and have fun, let us know how you do.