What Is a Dove Tree?
A dove tree is a simple setup designed to mimic a natural perch. It can be:
-
A dead tree or snag left standing
-
A portable pole with branches or crossarms
-
A homemade perch built with PVC or conduit
-
A tree limb mounted on a fence post
-
A portable “T” stand used in fields
The goal is to provide a high, visible landing spot that naturally attracts doves.
Why Dove Trees Work
Mourning doves use elevated perches for:
-
Resting
-
Surveying fields
-
Gathering before feeding
-
Landing before dropping into water holes
-
Social interaction
-
Safe staging during evening flights
A well-placed dove tree acts like a “landing magnet,” pulling birds into shotgun range.
Best Locations to Place Dove Trees
1. Field Edges
One of the most productive placements.
Works best along edges of:
-
Sunflower fields
-
Cut milo, wheat, or corn
-
Freshly disked dirt
-
CRP transitions
Birds fly down the edges and use perches to watch the field before committing.
2. Water Sources
Doves rely heavily on water, especially during early, hot seasons.
Place dove trees near:
-
Stock tanks
-
Ponds
-
Windmill troughs
-
Irrigation ditches
Set the tree 10–30 yards back from the water, facing open airspace.
3. Fly Lines
Identify major flight corridors such as:
-
Hedgerows
-
Powerline routes
-
Fence lines
-
Ditch lines
Place your dove tree along these paths to pull doves into predictable shot lanes.
4. Bare or Low-Vegetation Areas
Doves love clean landing zones. Use dove trees near:
-
Sparse grass
-
Burn patches
-
Weedy flats
-
Sandbars
-
Deadfall or fallen timber
Open ground boosts visibility from long distances.
How to Build an Effective Dove Tree
Materials
You can construct a simple dove tree from:
-
10–16 ft metal conduit or PVC
-
Wooden 2x2 posts
-
Dead branches zip-tied across the pole
-
Fence post drivers
-
“T” brackets for perches
-
Clip-on decoy attachment points
Keep it light, sturdy, and easy to move.
Adding Perches
A good dove tree includes:
-
2–4 horizontal branches or crossbars
-
Spacing 1–2 ft apart
-
Slight offset angles for natural look
More branches = more landing opportunities.
Stability Matters
Drive the pole deep or attach it to:
-
Fence posts
-
Small steel stakes
-
A tripod base
-
Sandbags (for temporary setups)
A wobbling dove tree will spook birds.
Using Decoys on Dove Trees
Adding decoys dramatically increases effectiveness.
Best Dove Decoys:
-
Clip-on dove decoys
-
Wind-activated motion doves
-
Light spinning-wing decoys (use sparingly)
Placement Tips:
-
Clip decoys along branches
-
Use 3–6 perches for realism
-
Leave one or two branches empty—natural spacing looks better
Too many decoys crowded together looks unnatural.
Hunting Strategy Around Dove Trees
Stand 20–30 Yards Away
Position yourself to cover:
-
Incoming birds
-
Birds landing on branches
-
Birds flushing or leaving the perch
Keep the sun at your back whenever possible for better concealment.
Blend Into Natural Cover
Wear neutral or light prairie camo matching your field.
Use:
-
Fencerows
-
Brush clumps
-
Tall grass
-
Layout chairs or low-profile stools
Movement busts doves instantly—stay still and let the tree do the work.
Focus on Morning & Evening
Doves hit perches most during:
-
Early morning fly-out
-
Evening pre-feed staging
-
Midday water breaks (hot days)
Peak times equal more birds using the tree.
Rotate Trees as Needed
If birds flare:
-
Move the tree 20–40 yards
-
Lower the profile
-
Reduce the number of decoys
-
Shift to a more visible location
Doves respond quickly to subtle changes.
Ideal Ammo & Choke Setup
For close-range dove tree shots:
-
Choke: IC (Improved Cylinder) or Skeet
-
Ammo: #7½ or #8 dove loads
-
Gauge: 12, 20, or 28 for smooth, forgiving patterns
Expect high-angle shots—smooth swings are key.
Why Many Hunters Book Guided Dove Hunts
Outfitters specializing in dove hunts offer:
-
Managed sunflower and grain fields
-
Ideal fly-line setups
-
Professionally placed dove trees and decoy perches
-
Rotating blinds to follow fresh birds
-
High-volume shooting opportunities
If you want easy access to prime dove properties, compare trusted outfitters on our hunt marketplace.
FAQs About Using Dove Trees for Mourning Dove Hunting
Do dove trees really work?
Yes—doves naturally seek high perches. A well-placed dove tree often becomes a traffic magnet.
How many dove decoys should I use?
3–6 is ideal. Too many looks unnatural.
How tall should a dove tree be?
10–16 feet is perfect for visibility and natural flight height.
Can I use dove trees in windy areas?
Yes—just anchor securely. Wind can even add natural motion.
Where should I sit relative to the dove tree?
20–30 yards away with the sun behind you for best concealment and shot angles.
Dove trees offer one of the simplest, most effective ways to concentrate mourning doves in open fields and along major fly routes. With smart placement, realistic decoys, and good concealment, you’ll create consistent shot opportunities from opening morning to late-season flights. When you're ready to plan a high-energy dove hunt, explore trusted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.
