Why Decoy Trees Work for Mourning Doves

Doves naturally seek elevated perches before committing to:

• Feeding areas

• Water sources

• Roosting zones

• Freshly cut ag fields

• Staging areas during migration

A decoy tree imitates:

• Dead snags

• Fenceline perches

• Sunbaked limbs

• Sparse treetops overlooking open ground

This visual cue calms approaching doves and causes them to swing closer, slow down, or land within shooting range.

Best Places to Use Decoy Trees for Mourning Doves

1. Field Edges (Sunflower, Millet, Wheat, Corn)

One of the most productive locations.
Place the decoy tree:

• On the upwind or crosswind side of the field

• Overlooking the main flight line

• Near bare ground or open dirt where birds feed

Field-edge decoy trees attract incoming birds and help slow them before they enter the field.

2. Water Holes and Ponds

Doves love to perch before dropping down to drink.

Set decoy trees near:

• Bare mud banks

• Sandbars

• Shallow edges

• Stock tanks

This creates a natural “pause point” for doves approaching low and fast.

3. Fencelines and Powerline Corridors

Doves already use these as natural perches.

A decoy tree on a fenceline:

• Looks natural

• Stacks birds in predictable spots

• Helps you pattern flight routes

Perfect for hunters who prefer concealed ground setups.

4. Open, Sparsely Treed Pastures

Any area with scattered, isolated trees benefits from added elevation.

Doves gravitate to the most visible structure—your decoy tree becomes the focal point.

5. Migration Flyways & Travel Corridors

Decoy trees make fast-moving migrators stop and investigate long enough to give good shots.

How to Set Up a Decoy Tree Effectively

1. Height Matters

Aim for 8–15 feet tall.
This height mimics a natural perch and is visible from distance without being unnatural.

You can use:

• Portable folding decoy trees

• Extended poles mounted in buckets

• Cut limbs staked into the ground

• Deadfall branches propped securely

Keep the structure sturdy but minimal.

2. Use Realistic Decoy Placement

Spacing and angles matter.

Place decoys:

• 6–12 inches apart

• On multiple levels of the tree

• At different angles and orientations

• Facing various directions

This mimics real-life staging behavior.

3. Use 6–12 Decoys for Best Results

One or two decoys help—but a larger cluster creates powerful visual appeal.

A dozen decoys create a convincing “resting flock” look.

4. Pair With Ground or Water Decoys

If hunting water or feeding fields, place:

• 3–6 decoys on the ground

• 1–2 on a low stump or rock

• Several on the decoy tree above

This establishes a natural two-tier flock.

5. Keep Decoy Trees Close to Your Shooting Position

Ideal distance: 20–30 yards.

This ensures that circling and landing birds pass through optimal shot windows.

When Decoy Trees Shine the Most

Early Season

Doves rely heavily on elevated perches to monitor predators and feeding areas.

Hot Midday Hunts

Birds pause at watering holes or shaded perches.

Migration Days

High-flying birds lock onto high-contrast shapes and swing down for a look.

Windy Days

Doves prefer sheltered perches near the ground level—decoy trees near cover help anchor them.

Evening Hunts

Doves often stage before heading to roost.

Advanced Decoy Tree Tactics

1. Use Motion Decoys Sparingly

Flapping or spinning decoys can improve visibility—but too much motion spooks doves.

Use:

• One motion decoy on the tree

• One flutter decoy on the ground

Keep the rest static.

2. Angle the Tree Slightly

A slight lean looks natural and makes decoys more visible from a distance.

3. Put a Dove Flag or Flash Panel Low on the Tree

Helps draw distant birds in featureless prairie or ag country.

4. Rotate Decoy Trees Based on Wind

Doves approach into the wind.
Place the tree so birds naturally swing into the kill zone.

5. Pair Decoy Trees With Concealed Hunting Positions

Best hides include:

• Mesquite or brush clumps

• Shadowed edges

• Hay bales

• Low-profile stools behind grass

Concealment is key—doves bust hunters who silhouette.

Gear You Need for Decoy-Tree Dove Hunting

• Portable decoy tree or DIY structure

• 6–12 dove decoys

• 2–4 clip-on limb decoys

• One motion decoy (optional)

• Stool or bucket

• Light, breathable camo

• IC or Mod choke with #7½ or #8 loads

• Eye and ear protection

Lightweight gear keeps you mobile and comfortable.

Why Many Hunters Book Guided Dove Hunts

Outfitters specializing in dove hunts offer:

• Managed feeding fields and water holes

• Professional decoy setups including decoy trees

• High-volume shooting near private grain fields

• Group accommodations and safe shooting lanes

• Low-pressure birds for opening-day action

A guided hunt simplifies everything—just show up ready to shoot. Browse trusted outfitters through our hunt marketplace.

FAQs About Hunting Doves With Decoy Trees

How tall should a decoy tree be?
8–15 feet is ideal—tall enough to be visible, natural enough to blend in.

How many decoys do I need?
6–12 is best for a convincing “perched flock.”

Do decoy trees work near water?
Yes—waterhole setups are some of the most effective uses.

Can I build a decoy tree myself?
Absolutely; many hunters use PVC, limbs, or telescoping poles.

Where should I sit in relation to the tree?
20–30 yards away, with the wind pushing incoming birds toward you.

Decoy trees are an incredibly effective addition to any dove setup. When placed near water, fields, or natural travel corridors, they help you slow fast-moving birds, create predictable flight paths, and increase shot opportunities. When you're ready to hunt high-volume doves on private land, compare vetted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.