It has come to my attention that a lot of dove hunters want to know the different types of gear they should bring on their next dove hunt. This need for gear information was a surprise to me. While I would be right alongside most whitetail junkies in their constant pursuit for new gear in hopes of gaining an edge on the competition. When it comes to dove hunting not so much. Aside from the type of shotgun guys chose to use, whether that be brand, semi vs pump, etc., I hadn't given the dove hunting gear concept much thought until now.
However, I realize that the type of gear you need to hunt doves can actually vary depending on a few things. These include where you hunt, the type of hunt, and the type of dove hunter you are. Rather than create a generic list I thought it best to put together multiple lists tailored to each category.
Dove Hunters Basic Gear List
Even though these groups all require different types of gear, there are a few things that overlap. I'm calling them the dove hunters basics to which I will be referring back to throughout the rest of the article.
Shotgun
It goes without saying that in order to hunt doves, you are going to need to be able to shoot them. Make sure you have a plug in your shotgun if it is capable of holding more than 3 rounds.
Ammo
That shotgun won't do much without some lead in the chamber. Always bring twice the amount of shells you expect to shoot.
Hunting License/Bird Stamps
Hunting licensee and any other documents/fees such as bird stamps/endorsements required by the state you are hunting in to legally hunt dove.
Cooler
I recommend bringing a cooler with you so that you can keep your birds on a nice bed of ice during the ride home.
A hat (optional)
Dove hunting often takes place outside of shaded areas so a hat can help keep your face from turning into a cherry tomato.
Dove Hunting Gear for Paid Dove hunts
If you book dove hunts with a private ranch, then your gear list is going to be much smaller than that of your public land counterpart. Most private ranch dove hunts are going to take care of the heavy lifting such as food and accommodations if you're looking for more than a day hunt.
The Basics
The only real gear you are going to need is the basics.
Cash
Bringing along some extra cash to tip your guides. They are a big part of why this gear list is so small
Dove Hunting Gear For Public Land Dove Hunters
If you are planning a dove hunting trip on public land your gear list is going to be larger and exactly how large that list is, is going to depend on whether you are a recreational dove hunter or an avid dove hunter.
Recreational Dove Hunting Gear List
The Basics
No different than anything else in life, we always start with the basics before moving forward.
Chair/Seat
As is with any type of hunting the longer you can stay in the field the better your chances are of success. Comfortability plays a huge role in how long we decide to tough out the elements. Having a place to sit can help you be more comfortable and keep you hunting longer.
Map Physical/Digital
It's always a good idea to have a map on hand especially if you are hunting in a place you have never been or in areas where it is easy to get lost. Personally, I am a big fan of ONX but you can use whatever you'd like.
Dove Field Dressing Gear
You are going to need a pair of game shears, scissors, or thin-bladed knives to help you with the field dressing of your doves. In addition to this, you will need to bring Ziploc bags to store the dove breast.
Avid Dove Hunter's Gear List
The avid dove hunter is going to need everything the recreational dove hunter needs plus the following.
ONX
This is one of the tools you are going to need when you want to locate those spots that have birds but might be overlooked by the competition.
Dove Decoys
The use of decoys can help set you apart in the dove fields come September. The good thing about dove decoys is they are not as complicated as waterfowl decoys.
Camo
While the recreational hunter might find blue jeans and tan tops to be perfectly fine attire in the dove field, avid dove hunters need to pay attention to what they are wearing. A good camo pattern coupled with minimal movement can help you reach that daily limit.
Bird Dog
A good dog can make sure you are able to bring home the birds you shoot and save you a lot of energy. My dad stopped dove hunting the day our yellow lab stopped bird hunting. He always said there was no point in bird hunting without a dog.
Get out and Dove hunt
No matter what category you fall into the important thing to remember is that time spent in the field is priceless. Regardless of how many birds you harvest time spent with friends and family in the outdoors will always be time well spent.
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