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About Dove Hunting

Dove hunting is the most popular form of migratory bird hunting in America, with the mourning dove harvest surpassing all other migratory species combined. The September season opener is a cherished tradition marking the start of hunting season for many families.

These small, fast-flying birds present one of the greatest wing shooting challenges, with the national average being 7 shots expended per dove harvested. With approximately 346 million mourning doves in the U.S., the annual harvest represents only 5-10% of the fall population.

From agricultural fields to water holes, dove hunting is accessible, social, and provides excellent practice for other wing shooting sports.

Why Hunt Doves

Accessible Hunting

Minimal gear needed - shotgun, shells, and a place to hunt

Social Tradition

Great for groups - fields can accommodate many hunters

Wing Shooting Practice

High-volume shooting improves skills for waterfowl and upland

Excellent Table Fare

Small but delicious - poppers, kabobs, and grilled breasts

Dove Species

Several dove species are hunted across North America, with regulations varying by species and location.

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) - Most abundant, characteristic whistling wings
White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) - Southwest, similar size to mourning dove
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) - Invasive, often no bag limit
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) - Western states only, limited seasons

Eurasian collared doves are NOT protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act - many states allow year-round hunting with no limit.

Dove Behavior

Understanding dove habits helps you position for better shooting.

Daily Pattern: Roost, fly to feed, water, rest, feed, water, roost
Food: 99%+ seeds - consume 12-20% of body weight daily
Water: Daily requirement - visit sources at predictable times
Roosting: Communal in trees, can gather 500+ birds
Flight: Direct and rapid with characteristic wing whistle

Federal Framework

Dove hunting is regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Federal frameworks establish outside dates and maximum season lengths, while states select specific seasons within these parameters.

The maximum season length is 107 days as required by the MBTA. Most seasons begin September 1 in many states and can extend as late as February in some regions.

Always verify current regulations - seasons and bag limits change annually based on population surveys.

Bag Limits

The standard daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves across all management units, with a possession limit of 3 times the daily bag (45 birds).

Management Units

Eastern Unit: 90-day season permitted
Central Unit: 90-day season permitted
Western Unit: 60-day season permitted

Some states have aggregate limits including white-winged doves within the 15-bird total.

Harvest Statistics

Annual Harvest (2023)

Total Harvest: 16.76 million mourning doves
Active Hunters: ~1 million dove hunters
Hunting Days: 3.26 million days afield
U.S. Population: ~346 million mourning doves

Licensing Requirements

Valid state hunting license
HIP registration (Harvest Information Program)
Migratory bird stamp (required in most states)
Shotguns must be plugged to 3 shells maximum

Pass Shooting

The most common method - shooting birds as they fly over or past your position. Position yourself along flight lines between roosting, feeding, and watering areas.

Pass Shooting Keys

Setup timing: Morning hunters by sunrise, evening before dusk
Exaggerate lead - 6 inches of barrel movement = ~1 foot at distance
Best spots: Lone trees, fence rows, field corners, gaps in tree lines
National average: 7 shots per dove harvested

Field Hunting

Hunt near agricultural fields with waste grain. Doves prefer feeding near edges with both trees and open ground for safety.

Field Selection

Edge habitat with trees and open ground
Recently harvested grain fields
Proximity to water and roosting areas
Position 30-50 yards from where birds want to land

Water Hole Hunting

Doves require daily water and visit sources at predictable times. Evening water hole hunting can be especially productive.

Water Hole Strategy

Best timing: Evening, between 5-6 PM before roosting
Position near water sources close to feeding areas
Doves can drink brackish water - stock tanks work well
Allow some birds to water unmolested to keep pattern

Decoy Use

Decoys can improve success by attracting passing doves to your location. Doves are visual and respond to seeing other birds.

Decoy Tips

Motion decoys most effective - movement attracts attention
Add stationary decoys to enhance the spread
Place on bare ground, fence wires, or dead branches
Position 15-25 yards from your setup

Shotguns for Doves

Any shotgun works for doves, but repeating shotguns allow quick follow-up shots on these challenging targets. Remember: shotguns must be plugged to hold maximum 3 shells for migratory bird hunting.

Recommended Setup

Gauge: 12 or 20 gauge most popular
Action: Semi-auto or pump for follow-up shots
Barrel: 26-28 inches typical
Over/Under or Side-by-Side: Classic, reliable option

Shot & Chokes

Small shot with open chokes provides the best pattern density for these small, fast targets. Tight chokes make hitting more difficult and can destroy birds at close range.

Recommendations

Shot Size: #7½, #8, or #9 (beginners: #7½ or #8)
Early Season: #8 with light loads
Late Season: #7½ with heavier loads
Chokes: Skeet or Improved Cylinder best
Avoid: Tight chokes - Modified is maximum

Hot Weather Clothing

September dove hunting means hot conditions. Proper clothing prevents heat-related illness - the most common injury during dove season.

Fabric: Moisture-wicking, heat-reflective materials
Vented Shirts: Allow heat to escape
Hat: Wide-brimmed for face, ears, and neck protection
Cooling Towel: Water-activated for neck
Colors: Light colors reflect heat better

Essential Gear

Plenty of Water: Heat dehydration is real - bring extra
Sunscreen: Quality protection for exposed skin
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes active at dawn/dusk
Dove Stool: Comfortable seat for waiting (optional)
Shell Bag: Keep ammo accessible
Cooler with Ice: For birds AND drinks
Eye/Ear Protection: Always recommended

Field Care in Heat

September heat means game care is critical. Birds spoil quickly in hot weather - proper handling ensures quality meat.

Hot Weather Care

Pick up downed birds quickly - don't let them lie in sun
DON'T pile birds in vest - spread out for air circulation
Keep birds in shade - spread on ground or in mesh bag
Use cooler with ice if available - spread birds out
Field dress as soon as practical to speed cooling

Processing Doves

Most hunters breast out doves for simplicity. The breast is the only significant meat on these small birds.

Quick Breasting Method

Hold dove with breast facing up
Press thumbs into breast center, push outward to open
Pop breast meat out by pushing from behind
Trim any shot damage or bloodshot meat
Rinse and refrigerate immediately

Cooking Dove

Dove meat is dark, rich, and delicious. Don't overcook - these small breasts dry out quickly.

Popular Preparations

Dove Poppers: Jalapeno + cream cheese + bacon wrapped
Grilled: Marinated breasts, hot and fast, medium-rare
Kabobs: With vegetables, grilled or broiled
Pan-Fried: Quick sear in butter, don't overcook
Smothered: Slow-cooked in gravy over rice

Storage

Small birds have high surface-to-volume ratio - freezer burn happens faster than larger game.

Refrigerator: 2-3 days maximum
Freezer (wrapped): 3-4 months
Freezer (vacuum sealed): 6-9 months
Soaking: Saltwater brine overnight removes blood
Packaging: Vacuum seal for best preservation

Dove Hunting