Why Gear and Technique Matter for Dove Hunting
Mourning doves are fast, agile, and unpredictable in the air. Good gear won’t replace sharp shooting, but it absolutely increases your odds—especially in high-traffic fields on opening weekend. The right setup helps you stay comfortable, shoot smoother, and adapt as birds change flight paths throughout the day.
If you’re looking for guided dove hunts or want to compare reputable wingshooting outfitters, start with Find A Hunt.
Essential Gear for Mourning Dove Hunting
Shotguns
You don’t need a high-end scattergun—just something reliable and quick to mount.
Best Gauges
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12-gauge: Most common; best for long passing shots.
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20-gauge: Light recoil and ideal for new hunters and kids.
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28-gauge: Increasingly popular for its smooth swing and light weight.
Chokes
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Improved Cylinder (IC): Best overall for doves.
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Modified: Good for windy days or long crossing shots.
Avoid full choke—patterns get too tight for fast-moving birds.
Shotshells
Doves are small but tough.
Recommended Shot Sizes
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#7.5 or #8 lead (where legal)
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#6 steel for non-toxic zones
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Velocity matters—look for loads around 1200–1300 fps for consistent breaks.
Bring more shells than you think you’ll need—dove hunts are high-volume.
Seats, Stools & Vests
Dove hunts involve long sits in the sun.
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Low stools help maintain a shooting-ready posture.
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Dove vests free your hands and hold plenty of shells.
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Bucket stools double as storage and a seat for kids or new hunters.
Comfort keeps you focused longer—birds come in waves.
Decoys & Attractants
While not mandatory, decoys give birds confidence and help steer flight paths.
Best Options
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Clip-on decoys for fences, limbs, and powerline poles.
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Motion spinners for visibility in large fields.
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Ground feeders placed on bare dirt patches.
Decoys don’t bring birds from miles away—they help shape the natural flow already happening.
Eye & Ear Protection
Protecting vision and hearing is essential for high-volume shooting.
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Use shaded lenses for bright fields.
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Foam or electronic ear protection is a must—shotgun blasts are loud at close range.
Other Essentials
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Lightweight camouflage or neutral clothing
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Sunscreen, hat, and hydration
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Small cooler for birds
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Shooting gloves (sun + hot barrels)
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Rangefinder (optional but helps find 25–35-yard sweet spots)
Scouting Tips for Productive Dove Hunts
Find the Food
Doves love:
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Sunflower fields
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Milo, wheat, or millet stubble
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Recently cut silage or corn
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Bare dirt patches and feed edges
Look for birds sitting on powerlines, fencerows, and trees near the food source.
Locate Water
Doves need consistent water. Target:
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Shallow pond edges
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Stock tanks
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Creek crossings
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Mud flats
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Gravel banks
Water is especially important midday and during hot spells.
Watch the Travel Lines
Doves prefer simple flight paths. Scout for:
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Straight fencerows
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Powerlines
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Tree lines
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Field corners
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Gaps in vegetation
These natural lines create dependable shooting lanes.
Field-Proven Tips for Mourning Dove Hunting
1. Set Up on the Edges
Instead of planting yourself in the middle of a field, hunt:
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Fencerow ends
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Tree-lined corners
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Waterhole edges
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Bare dirt flats
Edges funnel birds and give you predictable shot angles.
2. Minimize Movement
Doves spook instantly from unnecessary motion.
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Keep your gun up but relaxed.
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Don’t fidget or constantly look around.
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Keep your face shaded or wear a mask.
Movement control is more important than wearing full camo.
3. Shoot One Bird at a Time
Avoid flock-shooting—focus sharply on a single bird, swing through, and follow through.
Shot timing improves dramatically when you commit to one target.
4. Lead More Than You Think
Fast, crossing doves require a longer lead than most small-game hunters expect.
General rule of thumb:
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Crossers: 1–3 feet (more for long shots).
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Incoming or outgoing: Focus on smooth follow-through rather than big leads.
5. Move When the Birds Move
If a flight line is suddenly active 100 yards away—move to it.
Stay mobile:
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Shift to active edges
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Adjust for changing winds
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Reposition based on other hunters’ pressure
Mobility turns slow shoots into great ones.
6. Hunt Prime Time Windows
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Opening morning: Birds move heavily at first light.
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Late afternoon: Evening feeding produces steady action.
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Midday water runs: Good on hot days.
Dove hunting often comes in waves—be patient between flurries of action.
7. Retrieve Birds Quickly
Downed doves blend into grass easily.
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Mark the fall line mentally
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Walk straight to it
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Use a dog if available—labs excel at dove retrieval
Leave no birds behind.
When to Consider a Guided Dove Hunt
Professional dove outfitters offer:
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Pre-scouted fields
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Controlled hunter spacing for safety
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High-volume shooting on opener
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Shade setups, water access, and bird cleaning
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Excellent opportunities for new hunters
Perfect for families, groups, or anyone wanting a high-action wingshooting experience.
FAQs: Gear & Tips for Mourning Dove Hunting
What’s the best choke for doves?
Improved Cylinder is ideal; Modified works in windy or wide-open fields.
What shot size works best?
#7.5 or #8 lead (or #6 steel) is the standard choice.
Do decoys help?
Yes—especially early season or in large fields where birds need visual confidence.
Where should I set up in a field?
Find travel lines near food or water—edges beat the middle almost every time.
How far should I shoot?
20–35 yards is the ideal range for clean, ethical shots.
Ready to gear up for a successful dove season? Compare outfitters, explore wingshooting opportunities, and book your next hunt through Find A Hunt.
