Dove Hunting
North America's most harvested game bird
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
Hunting Tips
Scout Your Field
Watch bird flight patterns before the opener to find best spots
Conceal Yourself
Sit against a tree, in shade, or use natural cover - minimize movement
Be Patient at Midday
Morning and evening are best, but birds move all day
Work the Edges
Birds prefer to land near cover - position yourself accordingly
Shooting Tips
Lead More Than You Think
Most misses are behind - exaggerate your lead by 6+ feet
Follow Through
Keep the gun moving after the shot - stopping causes misses
Pick Incoming Birds
Easiest shots are birds flying toward you - let them get close
Don't Rush
Mount smoothly and shoot - quick mounts often miss
Safety Reminders
Heat Safety (Priority #1)
- Heat-related illness is THE most common dove season injury
- Bring plenty of water - drink before you're thirsty
- Watch for dizziness, nausea, or confusion (heat exhaustion signs)
- Find shade and cool off if symptoms appear
- Notify hunting partners if you feel unwell
Firearm Safety
- AVOID low-angle shots - pellets can reach other hunters
- Know where all hunters are positioned before shooting
- Pass up low-flying birds for safety
- Orange clothing recommended for visibility in groups
- Eye and hearing protection always recommended
Ready to Hunt Dove?
Find hunting locations near you that offer dove hunting opportunities.