Why Dove Hunting Rewards Good Technique
Mourning doves are abundant, fast-flying, and fun to hunt—but consistent success requires more than showing up to a field and waiting. Proper scouting, smart setups, shot selection, and small details in movement and concealment can dramatically increase your shot opportunities.
If you’re looking for guided dove hunts or want to compare high-quality wingshooting outfitters, start with Find A Hunt.
Understanding Dove Behavior
Doves follow surprisingly predictable daily patterns when you know what to look for.
Key Movement Drivers
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Food: Sunflower fields, wheat stubble, milo, and recently cut feed.
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Water: Shallow edges of ponds, tanks, and creeks.
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Roosts: Tree lines, fencerows, and powerlines.
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Travel Routes: Doves prefer consistent, obstacle-free flyways between feeding and roosting areas.
Prime Times of Day
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First 2 hours after sunrise – heavy movement as doves leave the roost.
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Late afternoon to sunset – birds return to feed and stage near roosts.
Scouting: The Difference Maker
Successful dove hunting begins before you fire a shot.
What to Look For
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Small groups landing on bare dirt patches
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Frequent flyways between field edges
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Droppings or feathers under roost trees
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Fresh tracks on pond banks
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Doves feeding heavily on freshly harvested grain
A quick glassing session at dawn or dusk can reveal exactly where you need to set up.
Field-Proven Techniques for Mourning Dove Hunting
1. Set Up on Natural Flyways
Rather than sitting in the middle of a field—where birds can fly around you—set up:
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Along fencerows
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On tree-lined field edges
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Near water holes with open banks
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Along travel routes between food and roosts
Edges naturally funnel movement.
2. Use Decoys to Influence Flight Paths
Decoys help slow birds down and pull them closer.
Best Dove Decoy Strategies
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Clip-on decoys: Place on fence lines, dead limbs, or powerline-style perches.
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Ground decoys: Use on bare dirt to mimic feeding behavior.
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Motion decoys: Add visibility on large fields or early-season opener hunts.
Keep decoys loose and natural—doves rarely bunch tightly.
3. Keep Movement to a Minimum
Doves flare immediately when they catch motion.
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Sit low or use a small stool.
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Keep your gun positioned so you can mount quickly with minimal movement.
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Wear neutral clothing—camouflage helps but isn’t mandatory.
Stillness is more important than pattern.
4. Choose the Right Shooting Lanes
Pick a spot with:
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A clear view of approaching birds
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Safe backdrops
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Open sky behind your target
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A predictable flight path
Avoid patches of thick cover that obstruct shots.
5. Master Shot Timing and Lead
Doves fly erratically, but proper technique helps tremendously.
Tips for Better Shooting
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Mount the shotgun smoothly—don’t rush.
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Keep your cheek down on the stock.
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Follow through after the shot.
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Lead farther than you think, especially on crossing shots.
Start on slower, higher birds to build rhythm.
6. Adjust for Wind and Weather
Wind
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Birds tend to land into the wind—set up so this benefits your shooting lane.
Hot Days
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Doves hit water more often.
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Shade lines and low cover become midday travel routes.
Post-Rain
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Birds feed heavily after storms—ideal conditions.
7. Stay Mobile
If your initial setup isn’t producing, move.
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Shift closer to active flyways.
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Observe where other hunters are pushing birds.
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Adjust based on wind or changing movement.
Mobility often doubles success on sluggish days.
Gear Recommendations for Dove Hunters
Shotguns
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Gauge: 12- or 20-gauge.
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Choke: Improved cylinder or modified.
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Loads: #7.5 or #8 shot are ideal.
Essentials
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Bucket or low stool
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Shell bag or vest
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Eye and ear protection
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Water and sun protection
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Cooler for harvested birds
Optional
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Lightweight camo
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Rangefinder for practicing lead estimation
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Decoy bag with clip-on doves
Safety and Field Etiquette
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Respect shooting zones and spacing in group hunts.
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Always know your backdrop before firing.
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Retrieve every downed bird promptly.
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Pack out all spent hulls—keep fields clean.
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Confirm landowner permission or boundaries.
When to Consider a Guided Dove Hunt
Professional dove outfitters typically offer:
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Pre-scouted sunflower or grain fields
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Safe, distributed shooting positions
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Large volumes of birds on opener
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Well-managed properties with consistent action
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Great opportunities for beginners and young hunters
Ideal for traveling hunters or those wanting a high-volume wingshooting experience.
FAQs: Techniques for Dove Hunting Success
Do dove decoys really help?
Yes—especially early season or on pressured birds that need visual confidence to commit.
What’s the best time of day to hunt doves?
Early mornings and late afternoons during heavy feeding cycles.
How far should I shoot?
20–35 yards is the sweet spot for clean kills.
Do I need full camouflage?
No—movement control matters more. Neutral colors are normally enough.
What’s the biggest mistake beginners make?
Moving too much and shooting too fast without proper gun mount.
Ready to improve your dove season? Browse outfitters, compare hunts, and book your next wingshooting trip through Find A Hunt.
