What's the Best Choke for Dove Hunting (and Why)?

While the best choke for dove hunting is generally considered an improved cylinder or modified choke, we're going to dive deeper into some more choke options as well as strategies to help you match hunting conditions and your shotgun to the optimal choke choice. 

Understanding Chokes: Why They Matter for Dove Hunting

In short, a choke is a tube that's attached to the end of a shotgun barrel that modifies the spread of the shot (pellet density) as it leaves your shotgun. This is achieved by "tightening" or "loosening" the pattern, which in turn affects the range of motion.

Due to this, it's critical to match your pattern to fast-flying, small-bodied doves, as this further reduces the chances of injuring birds as they're hit. 

Chokes are essential for dove hunting, as they ensure optimal shooting in changing conditions, striking a balance between range, spread, and shot density when targeting these fast-moving birds. 

What Choke is Best for Dove Hunting?

Remember that it may be the case that there is no "one" best choke but rather the right choke to match the conditions. There is no correct answer to the question of what choke is best for dove hunting — except that the best choke is the one that works best for you!

Dove activities and movement patterns change as the season progresses; making the right choke choice will have a significant impact on whether you bag out or not. 

Here's a quick overview of different chokes and their ideal uses in the field.

Improved Cylinder

The improved cylinder choke provides a tight constriction, making it ideal for close-range shooting (up to 30 yards) and offering a wider pattern than a modified choke.

This choke is best used during the early season when birds are flushed closer and less cautious, and heavy decoy spreads are often deployed. Additionally, it's an excellent option for beginners, offering more forgiveness when aiming at fast or erratic targets. 

Modified Choke

As the season progresses, it may be worth switching to a modified choke, which is tighter than an improved cylinder, with an effective range of 30 to 40 yards. The doves will be more wary at this stage and highly conditioned, meaning mid-season shooters and experienced hunters will want to reach out a little further. 

A modified choke is a suitable choice for this transitional period and is a great all-around option if you're unsure how close the birds will be to you. 

Light Modified Choke

While not as popular, the lightly modified choke sits between the improved cylinder and the modified one, offering a decent spread and a nice range. While it's not a standard issue in produced chokes, it's gaining popularity, especially among dove hunters who value consistent shooting across the season. 

Full Choke (Less Common for Dove)

A full choke is not often seen on the dove fields as it offers a very tight spread that's designed for longer ranges (40+ yards). Most dove hunters won't recommend it unless you're targeting late-season weary doves at longer distances, as it can increase the risk of missing close-in birds or over-killing.

Match Chokes to the Hunting Conditions 

During the early season, you're better off using an improved cylinder, as birds will come in closer, and the flight lines are less pressured. Then, as the season progresses, you may want to consider a modified or lightly modified setup to handle longer shots.

When hunting over decoys, stick with improved cylinder or light-modified chokes for quick response and wider patterns, aiming to reach that happy medium where you can still take down birds ethically at a distance. 

Bonus Tip: Use Quality Ammo and Chokes 

Dove hunts are fast and furious and can often take place in dusty environments that can impact shooting performance over the long term. Opt for chokes with high-end construction and specialist aluminum that provides the perfect balance between lightweight shooting and fouling resistance, especially when shooting conditions are favorable and you're burning through shells.  

When it comes to ammo, pair your choke with a #7.5 or #8 shot — light enough to maintain a good pattern, yet heavy enough to cleanly drop a dove. Just be sure to check the shot requirements and regulations before your hunt.

Don't be afraid to pattern test with different ammo and choke combinations to determine your effective spread and range. Remember that different guns and loads behave uniquely, and the best choke for dove hunting will change as the season progresses based on bird movement and environmental factors such as weather patterns. 

Choose the Best Choke for Dove Hunting and HuntWise 

Doves are the most hunted migratory bird species in North America, and it makes sense once you get a taste for it. The social atmosphere, excitement, and friendships that develop on the dove fields are just some of the many reasons why dove hunters come back again and again to start the hunting season.

While you can get started with a relatively simple setup, incorporating some fundamental gear, including the best choke for dove hunting (that works best for you), will maximize your shooting and help you bring down more birds.

Be sure you also download the HuntWise app to help you start the season with a bag of doves! 
Your first week in the app is free.