17 Must-Have Items for Your Dove Hunting Setup

What should you have for your dove hunting setup? Whether you hunt doves in Texas or elsewhere in the country, consider these seventeen must-have items to fill your kit bag.

We'll also give you some shooting tips to help you get onto some of the most agile, small, and quick birds in the North American bird hunting roster. 

Essential Gear For Your Dove Hunting Setup

Gear up with these recommendations for some of the essential equipment you'll need for a successful dove hunt this season.

1. Shotgun

Yep, you won't be burning many shells without one.

Most hunters opt for their trusted 12-gauge. However, you will see some 20 gauges from time to time.

Semi-automatics or pumps are ideal for follow-up shots without manual reloading because even the best dove hunters miss a shot from time to time. Keep your shotgun in good condition with regular cleaning and maintenance, using a decent gun cleaning kit, as it will get quite a workout while dove hunting. 

2. Ammunition

Most shotshell selections will be #7-½ or #8 for ideal patterns and clean kills, and these sizes will be similar for all types of shotguns. As hunting becomes more complex and doves become more cautious and thin out during the late season, opt for #6 to #7-1/2 to help bring in the more extended range. 

3. Choke Tubes

For tight shooting, improved cylinders or modified chokes are best, as a wider and denser pattern will give you the best chance of bringing down some birds. Consider distance, which can change throughout the season, and modify your choke choice accordingly. 

4. Dove Decoys 

Dove decoys (static and motion) draw in the doves hard and fast to close the range and help you take a secure shot.

Decoys can be utilized throughout the season and placed on fences, trees, or spinning-wing models to draw doves into range. When choosing decoys, opt for ones that resemble your target dove species, showcase realistic feather patterning, and establish a spread of differently postured birds. 

5. Hunting Chair or Bucket Seat

Some days, you're going to spend hours waiting out dove flocks for the perfect shot, so you might as well do it in comfort.

We recommend a chair over a bucket seat if you're a regular hunter, as long sits in uncomfortable positions without back support can lead to back issues or other strains. But, no matter what you choose, make sure it blends into the natural environment and that the height matches the vegetation level to ensure sufficient coverage. 

Dress for a Successful Dove Hunt

What you wear on a dove hunt matters. Here are a few clothing items to consider.

6. Camo Clothing 

Do you wear camo dove hunting? Absolutely. 

Doves have decent eyesight. As the season continues, they only become more wary and standoffish (mainly if something sticks out of the norm).

Pants, vests, jackets, shirts, and even caps in appropriate camo are essential to blend into the surroundings. Choose a lightweight, breathable camo that matches the terrain and will keep you comfortable on those long days.

7. Gloves and Facemask

For next-level camouflage, as part of your dove hunting setup, get a pair of gloves and a decent face mask to cover any exposed skin that may risk spooking the birds. As a bonus, you'll be nice and warm during that early morning start. 

Tools for a Better Hunt

What else should you bring? The right tools can help you have a safer, more efficient hunt.

8. Game Vest or Belt 

Dove hunting happens fast. During those moments of intensity, you want everything to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

A vest with shell loops and a game pouch helps you keep all your essentials within reach and makes carrying (and keeping track of) your harvested birds a lot easier. Some hunters prefer a belt, while others may run both options. 

9. Shooting Glasses 

A decent pair of shooting glasses will serve several functions.

• They'll protect your eyes from debris
• Help your vision by enhancing contrast in the sky to spot birds

Quality shooting glasses should also come with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. 

10. Hearing Protection 

Remember to wear earplugs or electronic earmuffs to reduce harmful noise levels. These options will shield you from dangerous noise while allowing you to hear sounds around you, such as calls, whistles, and warnings. 

Stay Comfortable in the Field

A long day in the field doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Add the following items to your gear pack to have a better day.

11. Water Bottle Or Hydration Pack 

During early-season hunts, when the temperature can soar, it's essential to keep your hydration levels up. If hunting with buddies, you can load up a cooler with drinks on top of your water bottle or hydration pack. 

Even mild hydration is linked with poorer attention and decreased reaction times. So, if you want to keep your shooting skills sharp during the day, you must keep sipping away. 

12. Sunscreen and Bug Spray 

Apply sunscreen liberally to avoid harmful rays and the problems they cause. Load up on bug spray to prevent nuisance or even harmful bugs that will inevitably make their way to your site.

Choose non-greasy products to keep your grip tight and fingers free to work. 

13. A Hat With a Brim 

Reduce glare, protect your eyes, and stay focused on the birds with brimmed hats. Make sure the pattern is camo or a neutral earth color to maintain that head-to-toe camouflage.

Bring Home the Birds

We know you'll have a successful day in the field, so make sure you're prepared to bring home your birds!

14. Bird Carrier

Bird straps or totes are another way to stay organized and keep track of your harvest count. Don't forget to bring it with you into the field.

15. Cooler

A designated "bird" cooler is an excellent place to store your dove meat. This helps keep it fresh and protected throughout the day. 

16. Knife or Multitool 

An indispensable piece of kit, a decent knife or multitool will assist with field dressing or any repairs that may arise during the dove hunt. A sharp pair of scissors can go a long way when processing smaller birds like doves, and any smaller blade with a gut hook will make the job a whole lot easier. 

Don't Forget to Plan

This should probably be the first item for your deer hunting gear kit, but make sure you have the right paperwork!

17. Hunting License and Permits 

Always check local regulations regarding dove hunting. Make sure you have the right licensing and permit to avoid fines and do the right thing. 

Bonus Must-Have: The HuntWise App 

Finding the ideal resting location where doves actively seek out spots to rest, water, and feed takes some practice. So, our bonus tip is to make sure you download HuntWise to plan your hunt!

With your HuntWise app, you can leverage key features such as map layers, markers, HuntCast, and WindCast to pinpoint high-probability areas that will give you the highest chance of bagging out. 

Then, let's say you find an elite waterway line with fresh-cut agricultural fields or millet and corn tucked away from the heavy wind, but it's on private land. Just open the app to view it and request permission from the local landowner to score yourself an elite hunting spot with unlimited potential. 

Tips for Shooting Doves

While nothing will beat time in the field, a few strategies can help you sharpen up for your next dove hunt. Here are a few shooting dove tips.

Clay shooting is about as close as you'll get to the real thing. Honestly, it's a lot of fun. Find a local club, sign up for a couple of sessions, and get involved, as this will help you develop strong muscle-memory skills, such as leading your target to account for speed and flight.

Keep your muzzle moving at all times, as the moment you stop, it's all over, and you'll be shooting behind every time. Doves can appear out of nowhere, descending from the sky, so keep your shotgun ready and shoulder at first sight of birds.

If you're after additional insights, a shooting club or online community can be excellent resources for improving your skills before your next dove hunt. 

Enjoy Better Dove Hunts With HuntWise 

With the right gear, a thoughtfully blended camo kit, and essential shooting tips, you'll be on your way to a successful and fruitful dove hunt!

The season will be here before you know it, and it's never too early to start scouting and marking some high-potential locations. So, grab the HuntWise app to access different map overlays, see private land borders, and even access weather insights to know exactly when and where to hunt. 

If you don't have HuntWise yet, download it and try it free for your first week!