Bowhunting coyote
Coyote is the year-round bow target for hunters between big-game seasons. A dog runs 25 to 45 lb with a thin hide over a small ribcage. The whole argument is fur preservation: a wide-cut mechanical destroys a pelt, a small-cut fixed head can leave a poor blood trail on a running dog. Kinetic energy is not the constraint.
Kinetic energy threshold
Any legal bow-hunt draw weight (40 lb+ in most states) delivers plenty for a 40 lb dog. The 40 ft-lb Pope and Young figure is comfortable overkill.
Broadhead recommendation
The community splits. Fur camp: 1 in cut fixed with small blades (Slick Trick Magnum, Grim Reaper Micro Hades, QAD Exodus, G5 Montec) leaves smaller entry / exit and preserves the pelt. Trail-and-recovery camp: wider mechanicals (SEVR 2.0, Rage Hypodermic) leave better blood on a running coyote at the cost of a chewed pelt. If you sell furs or wall-mount, go small-cut.
Shot placement
Same as a small deer: broadside, behind the shoulder, 1/3 up. Coyote react to the bow shot differently from deer; they often drop-and-run rather than jump-the-string. Adjust aim slightly lower than instinct. Range: most called-in coyote shots happen inside 30 yd off a decoy.
Arrow build
Standard deer arrow. 400 to 460 gr, .003 straightness. Fletch feather or 3 in vane. Traditional bow shooters use woodies or heavy carbons; compound shooters run the same rig as their fall whitetail hunt with a smaller-cut head swapped in.
What bowhunters actually say
Slick Trick Magnum 100 leaves a nickel-sized entry that a fur buyer will not dock you for. A Rage will cost you 40 dollars on the pelt.
Archery Talk Predator Hunting forum, veteran fur trader
On a called-in coyote at 22 yards I would rather have a 1 in fixed and a preserved pelt than a 2 in mechanical and a wrecked hide.
Bowsite Predator Hunting forum contributor
Small-cut fixed and a good calling sequence is the answer. Broadheads do not need to be exotic for a 35 lb dog.
Rokslide Predator Hunt Report, 2024
Check your state F&W dept for local rules. This is research summary, not legal advice.