Dove hunting holds a special place in the heart of American sportsmen. For many hunters, the opening day of dove season isn’t just about the birds—it’s a tradition, a gathering of family and friends, and a way to celebrate the outdoors as summer transitions into fall. Whether you are a seasoned hunter looking for a refresher or someone completely new to the field, dove hunting is one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of wingshooting. It requires relatively simple gear, is inexpensive compared to other hunts, and offers fast-paced action that can sharpen your shooting skills in a hurry.
In this introduction, we’ll cover the basics of dove hunting, from understanding the birds themselves to choosing the right shotgun, ammunition, and gear. We’ll also touch on preparation, scouting, and strategies for success in the dove field.
Doves are plentiful, widely distributed across the United States, and regulated with generous bag limits compared to other game birds. Mourning doves—the most commonly hunted species—are fast flyers, capable of reaching speeds over 50 miles per hour. This makes them both challenging and fun to hunt.
Another reason dove hunting is so popular is the social aspect. Unlike solitary hunts for deer or turkeys, dove hunts often take place in groups, with hunters spread across fields of sunflowers, millet, or corn. It’s common to see families, friends, and even multiple generations hunting together, sharing laughs and enjoying the camaraderie between flights of birds.
Finally, dove hunting marks the unofficial start of hunting season. In many states, dove season opens on September 1st, making it the first opportunity for hunters to head afield after a long summer. It serves as a warm-up for other fall hunts, giving sportsmen the chance to tune their shooting skills and break in new gear.
To become a successful dove hunter, it helps to know what attracts doves and how they move through the landscape. Doves are seed-eaters, and their preferred foods include sunflower seeds, millet, wheat, corn, and milo. They frequent agricultural fields, weedy edges, and areas with abundant food sources.
Brown Top Millet Seed is good attraction for Doves
Water is another key factor. Doves need to drink daily, often visiting ponds, creeks, or stock tanks in the early morning and late afternoon. They prefer open areas with bare ground near water, where they can land and walk to drink safely.
Roosting and loafing sites are also important. Doves commonly perch in dead trees, power lines, and fence rows, where they can rest and survey the area. When scouting for doves, pay attention to these spots—they often indicate travel routes between feeding and watering areas.
The Best Shotguns for Dove Hunting
Dove hunting doesn’t require a specialized or expensive shotgun. In fact, almost any reliable shotgun can work, but certain features make some models especially well-suited to the task.
Gauge Selection
The most common gauges for dove hunting are 12, 20, and 28. Each has its own advantages:
-
12 Gauge – The most versatile and widely used, offering plenty of shot for longer ranges and windy conditions.
-
20 Gauge – Lighter and with less recoil, making it an excellent choice for younger hunters or those who prefer a more nimble gun.
-
28 Gauge – Known for its smooth handling and surprising effectiveness, though ammunition is more expensive and sometimes harder to find.
Action Types
-
Semi-Automatics – Popular for their reduced recoil and quick follow-up shots, which is useful when doves are flying fast and erratically.
-
Over/Under Shotguns – Offer reliability and two choke options but limit you to two shots before reloading.
-
Pump-Action Shotguns – Durable and budget-friendly, though slightly slower for follow-up shots.
Notable Shotgun Models for Dove Hunting
Some of the most beloved shotguns among dove hunters include:
-
Remington 1100 or 11-87 (semi-auto classics)
-
Browning Citori (over/under)
-
Beretta A300/A400 (modern semi-auto)
-
Mossberg 500 or 835 (pump-action workhorses)
-
Winchester SX4 (lightweight semi-auto)
Ultimately, the “best” shotgun is the one that fits you well, swings smoothly, and shoots reliably.
Ammunition for Dove Hunting
Selecting the right ammunition is just as important as choosing your shotgun. Doves are small, fast, and fragile, which means you need light shot with a wide pattern to improve your chances of hitting them without ruining the meat.
Shot Size
The most common and effective shot sizes for dove hunting are 7½, 8, and 9 shot. These small pellets provide a dense pattern that increases your odds of hitting a fast-moving bird.
Loads
-
Standard Field Loads – Affordable and effective for most conditions, usually in 1 to 1⅛ oz payloads.
-
High-Velocity Loads – Offer added speed, which helps connect with fast flyers at longer ranges, but produce more recoil.
-
Low-Recoil Loads – Great for youth hunters or those shooting lighter gauge shotguns.
When hunting doves, most states require the use of non-toxic shot when hunting on federal lands such as wildlife refuges, so it’s important to check regulations before heading out.
Fiocchi Field Dynamics 12 Gauge 2-3/4″ #8 Lead Shot is a Popular Choice for Dove Hunters.
Hunters play a vital role in dove conservation. Through license fees, excise taxes on ammunition and firearms, and habitat management programs, dove hunters contribute millions of dollars annually to wildlife conservation. Ethical hunters respect bag limits, practice good marksmanship to reduce crippling loss, and always retrieve downed birds when possible.
Dove hunting is the perfect introduction to the world of wingshooting. It’s affordable, social, exciting, and provides plenty of shooting opportunities for hunters of all skill levels. With a basic understanding of dove behavior, the right shotgun and ammunition, and a little preparation, anyone can enjoy the thrill of seeing doves streaking across a blue September sky.
Whether you’re heading out alone or joining friends and family in the dove field, you’ll quickly see why this tradition has endured for generations. Dove hunting isn’t just about harvesting birds—it’s about fellowship, skill, and an appreciation for the outdoors.
