A Beginner-Friendly Path Into Dove Hunting
Mourning dove hunting is one of the most accessible and action-packed wingshooting experiences. Birds are abundant, seasons are generous, and the learning curve is friendly to newcomers. With the right approach—smart setup, basic gear, and good field awareness—new hunters can quickly find success.
If you’re considering guided dove hunts or simply want help choosing reliable outfitters, compare trusted options through Find A Hunt.
Understanding Basic Dove Behavior
Mourning doves have predictable patterns that beginners can take advantage of.
What Drives Dove Movement
-
Food: Sunflower fields, wheat stubble, milo, and harvested grain.
-
Water: Shallow edges of ponds, tanks, and creeks.
-
Roosts: Tree lines, powerlines, and windbreaks.
-
Flight Routes: Doves prefer consistent flyways between feeding and roosting areas.
When Doves Move Most
-
Early morning: Birds leave roosts to feed.
-
Evening: Doves return to feed or head back to roost.
These are prime hunting windows for beginner success.
Scouting for Doves: Keep It Simple
You don’t need advanced gear to find doves—just pay attention to their movement.
What to Look For
-
Birds landing in harvested fields
-
High-traffic fence lines or powerlines
-
Fresh droppings beneath trees (roost areas)
-
Water holes with clean, shallow edges
A quick glassing session at sunrise or sunset often reveals where the action will be.
Beginner-Friendly Dove Hunting Techniques
1. Set Up on Natural Flyways
Position yourself along:
-
Tree lines
-
Fencerows
-
Field edges
-
Water holes
Avoid standing in the middle of fields—edges typically offer both concealment and steady bird traffic.
2. Use a Few Simple Decoys
You don’t need a big spread. For beginners:
-
Place 6–12 clip-on dove decoys on fences or limbs.
-
Leave an open landing pocket near your shooting lane.
-
Keep it natural—doves like scattered, loose groups.
3. Manage Your Shooting Lane
Choose a spot with:
-
A clear view of approaching birds
-
Safe shooting angles
-
Unobstructed sky behind them
A clean lane makes hitting easier and keeps you safe.
4. Stay Still When Birds Approach
Doves spot movement immediately.
-
Sit or kneel comfortably.
-
Mount the shotgun only when the bird is committed.
-
Wear neutral or earth-tone clothing.
Minimal movement equals more shot opportunities.
5. Learn to Lead Your Shot
For beginners, the biggest challenge is judging lead.
Simple rule:
-
For crossing shots, place your muzzle just ahead of the beak.
-
For incoming birds, aim slightly below them to avoid shooting over the top.
Start slow, stay relaxed, and focus on smooth follow-through.
Gear for New Dove Hunters
You don’t need much to get started.
Shotgun & Ammo
-
Gauge: 12- or 20-gauge are most common.
-
Choke: Improved cylinder or modified.
-
Ammo: #7.5 or #8 shot.
Other Helpful Gear
-
Folding stool or bucket for comfort
-
Lightweight vest or bag for shells
-
Eye and ear protection
-
Water and sun protection—early season is hot
Field Etiquette for Beginners
Know Your Boundaries
-
Respect private land.
-
Follow field assignments on guided or group hunts.
Pick Up Spent Shells
Keep fields clean and maintain access for future seasons.
Watch Cross-Shot Situations
Always maintain safe shooting angles, especially in groups.
Tips for Building Confidence as a New Dove Hunter
-
Practice mounting your shotgun at home to build muscle memory.
-
Start with slower, higher birds before attempting fast crossers.
-
Hunt with experienced friends or an outfitter to learn faster.
-
Don’t rush—patience beats rapid firing every time.
Why Consider a Guided Dove Hunt as a Beginner?
A professionally organized dove shoot can dramatically shorten the learning curve by providing:
-
Pre-scouted fields
-
Safe shooting positions
-
Easy bird access
-
Clear instructions from experienced hunters
-
High-volume action that builds skill quickly
Perfect for newcomers who want a confidence-building first season.
FAQs: Beginner Dove Hunting
When is the best time for beginners to hunt doves?
Opening weekend often has the most birds, but weekdays or less crowded times are better for learning without pressure.
How far should I shoot at doves?
Keep shots within 20–35 yards until you gain more experience.
Do I need camouflage?
Not required. Dove hunting focuses more on minimizing movement than blending in.
Can beginners use decoys?
Absolutely—simple decoys boost confidence and help predict dove approach paths.
Are doves hard to hit?
They can be fast, but with good lead and follow-through, beginners improve quickly.
Ready for your first season of wingshooting? Browse outfitters, compare options, and book your next dove hunt through Find A Hunt.
