Mourning Dove Hunting: Shotgun Selection and Tips for Better Wingshooting
Mourning dove hunting delivers some of the fastest shooting action in the uplands. Quick passes, erratic flight paths, and crowded field edges test even experienced wingshooters. Your shotgun choice—and how you set it up—plays a huge role in your success. This guide breaks down the best shotguns, chokes, loads, gun fit considerations, and field tactics that consistently put more birds in the bag.
If you’re looking for dove hunts on private fields, outfitters, or day leases, you can compare trusted options through Find A Hunt.
Choosing the Right Shotgun for Dove Hunting
Gauge Selection
Dove hunters use everything from 12-gauge autos to .410 sporting guns, but certain gauges offer ideal balance for hit percentage and comfort.
12 Gauge
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Most versatile
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Best for longer, windier shots
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Excellent for high-volume fields
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More recoil unless using light target loads
20 Gauge
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The sweet spot for many dove hunters
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Light, fast-handling, and effective with 7/8–1 oz loads
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Ideal for beginners and experienced shooters alike
28 Gauge
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Low recoil and excellent pattern efficiency
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Surprisingly deadly on doves inside 35 yards
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Perfect for seasoned shooters wanting a light, responsive shotgun
.410 Bore
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Challenging; requires excellent shooting fundamentals
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Short effective range
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Fun for experienced wingshooters or youth learning gun control
Semi-Auto vs. Over/Under vs. Pump
Semi-Auto Shotguns
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Most popular dove choice
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Low recoil
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Fast follow-up shots
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Reliable cycling with light target loads (depending on model)
Over/Unders
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Great balance and simple operation
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Easy choke versatility (IC/M combinations)
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Excellent for competitive-style dove shoots
Pump Shotguns
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Reliable and economical
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Slightly slower follow-up shots
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Works well for budget-conscious or nostalgic hunters
Ideal Choke Selection for Mourning Doves
Shot distances vary depending on field size and wind, but typical dove ranges are 20–35 yards.
Improved Cylinder (IC)
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Best all-around dove choke
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Forgiving patterns on closeand mid-range birds
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Great for semi-autos and pumps
Light Modified (LM)
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Excellent for slightly longer shots
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More reach without overly tight patterns
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Ideal for open, windy fields
Modified (M)
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Use when birds flare or stay high
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Good for large, open fields or late-season wary birds
Avoid full chokes for regular dove hunting—patterns are too tight for fast birds at modest distances.
Best Loads for Mourning Doves
Look for loads that pattern well and offer consistent velocities.
Shot Sizes
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#7.5 – The classic dove pellet
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#8 – Light, fast, dense patterns in early season
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#6 – Late-season or long shots, or when Eurasian collared doves are present
Recommended Loads
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1 oz or 1 1/8 oz (12 gauge)
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7/8 oz (20 gauge)
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3/4 oz (28 gauge)
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1/2 oz (.410)
Velocity
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1200–1300 fps is ideal
Fast enough for clean hits without excessive recoil.
Gun Fit: The Most Overlooked Dove-Hunting Factor
A poorly fitting shotgun leads to inconsistent shooting.
Signs Your Gun Fits
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Gun mounts naturally to the same place every time
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You don’t have to adjust your cheek on the stock
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Your eye aligns directly down the rib without effort
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You shoot where you’re looking
If you consistently miss behind or under birds, consider tweaking LOP (length of pull), comb height, or trying a different shotgun.
Shooting Techniques for Mourning Doves
Doves fly quick, dart frequently, and rarely give the same shot twice. Good fundamentals matter.
1. Keep Both Eyes Open
Better depth perception and target tracking.
2. Lead More Than You Think
Doves require generous leads, especially on crossing shots:
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10–20 inches for moderate-speed crosses
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More on wind-aided or long birds
3. Maintain Barrel Movement
Don’t stop your swing. Keep moving through the target as the shot breaks.
4. Pick One Bird
When flocks dive in, choose a single bird and commit.
5. Mount Ahead of the Bird
For fast incomers or high crossers, mount your barrel slightly in front of the bird’s flight path.
6. Practice Low Gun Mounts
Matches real-world dove-field shooting scenarios.
Field Tactics for Dove Hunting
Choose a Productive Setup
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Field corners
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Tree lines
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Power lines
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Water holes
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Grain edges
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Sunflower, corn, wheat, or millet fields
Birds follow predictable flight lines—set up with wind at your back when possible.
Stay Visible But Still
Doves aren’t as wary as waterfowl, but movement flares them fast. Sit still until the shot.
Manage Shooting Angles
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Keep your muzzle high and safe
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Spread hunters out to cover more flight lines
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Rotate positions if birds favor a different corner
Watch for Pattern Shifts
Wind, temperature, or pressure can change flight lines—move if the action slows.
After-the-Shot Tips
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Mark downed birds immediately—doves vanish in brush or stubble.
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Use a dog if possible; they save time and reduce lost birds.
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Keep birds cool in warm early-season weather.
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Bring plenty of shells—dove shoots are high volume.
Why Book a Dove Hunt Through Find A Hunt
Booking through a vetted outfitter gives you:
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Access to prime crop fields and roosting corridors
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Better shooting setups, blinds, and flight-line knowledge
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Managed crops that draw high dove numbers
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Group-friendly hunts ideal for social shoots
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Clear expectations for shot distances and shell needs
Guided dove hunts take the scouting and permission-seeking off your plate, letting you focus on clean wingshooting.
FAQ: Shotguns & Tips for Mourning Dove Hunting
What gauge is best for doves?
20 gauge is the most popular balance of recoil and effectiveness, but 12 and 28 gauge both excel.
What choke should I use?
Improved Cylinder for most hunts; Light Modified for longer shots.
What load do dove hunters prefer?
#7.5 or #8 shot at 1200–1300 fps.
Do I need camo?
Not always—neutral clothing is fine, but minimize movement.
How many shells should I bring?
At least 3–5 boxes for an active shoot.
If you want this tailored to your region (Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Arizona, etc.) or optimized for an outfitter page, I can refine it!
