Are you excited about the upcoming dove hunting season? If so, you’re not alone.
Dove hunting is a popular sport that draws in hunters from all around the country. However, if you want to have a successful and enjoyable dove hunting experience, you need to make sure you have the right gear.
From shotguns to hunting clothes to decoys, there are a lot of items you’ll want to consider purchasing before the season starts.
In this blog post, we’ve put together a list of 25 must-buy dove hunting gear items for the 2022-23 season.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, read on to make sure you’re fully prepared for your next dove hunting trip. Let’s get started.
- Shotgun Shells (YES!)
Well, let’s face it, without shotgun shells, you might as well be trying to hunt doves with a water gun. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, having a reliable supply of quality shotgun shells is an absolute must if you want to have any chance of successfully bagging some doves this hunting season.
So, make sure to stock up on plenty of shells before the season starts, and don’t forget to check your local regulations to make sure you’re using the right type and size for the job.
- Camo Pants With Plenty of Pockets
Camo Pants are a must-have item for any serious dove hunter. Not only do they help you blend in with your surroundings, but the multiple pockets also provide convenient storage for all of your essential gear.
With pockets for shells, calls, and snacks, you’ll be able to keep everything you need close at hand without having to constantly rummage through a bulky hunting bag.
Our Recommendation: HOT SHOT Men’s Camo Performance Pant
The HOT SHOT Men’s Camo Performance Pant is an excellent choice for any dove or pigeon hunter. The blend of 57% cotton, 41% polyester, and 2% spandex creates a durable and comfortable fabric that is also quiet and deters burrs from sticking.
The MO Original Bottomlands camouflage pattern is perfect for blending into your environment and staying hidden from wary birds.
The two-way stretch fabric and lose fit in the legs provide ample room for movement, and the vented crotch gusset and articulated knees ensure a comfortable fit.
- Game / Dove Belt
A game/dove belt is an essential piece of gear for any serious dove hunter. This belt is typically designed with multiple pouches or loops that allow you to easily carry and access your shotgun shells, making it much easier to reload quickly during a hunt.
This can be especially important when you’re hunting in a group and need to keep up with the pace of the other hunters.
Our Recommendation: Orvis Hybrid Dove and Clays Belt
The Orvis Hybrid Dove and Clays Belt is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile game and shotgun shell belt for their dove hunting adventures. Made from the proven TOUGHSHELL fabric and featuring a rugged nylon web belt, this belt is built to last and withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
One of the standout features of this belt is the half-vest style, which provides you with more freedom of movement and unrestricted gun mounts. This can be especially helpful when you’re trying to line up the perfect shot on a fast-moving dove.
- Camo Shirt
A camo shirt is an essential piece of clothing for pigeon hunting as it helps you blend in with your surroundings, making it easier to get closer to your prey without being noticed.
The shirt should be made of lightweight and breathable material to keep you comfortable during long hunts in hot weather. It should also have long sleeves to protect your arms from the sun, thorns, and other hazards you might encounter while hunting.
Our Recommendation: Kryptek Men’s Stalker Long Sleeve
If you are looking for a camo shirt that is both functional and comfortable, then the Kryptek Men’s Stalker Long Sleeve is an excellent choice. We chose this particular product because of its high-quality construction, advanced technology, and versatile design.
Made from CVC Twill and 100% cotton combed jersey, this shirt is both soft and durable, making it ideal for hunting and all-around function. The Kryptek brand is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, and this shirt is no exception. The TEK-CLOTH advanced technology improves durability and dry time while providing a soft cotton hand, ensuring that you stay comfortable and dry no matter how long your hunt lasts.
- Hunting Boots
Hunting boots are a crucial piece of gear for pigeon hunting. These boots are designed to provide the necessary support and protection for your feet and ankles while navigating through various terrains, including muddy fields and rough terrain.
Hunting boots typically feature a waterproof and breathable membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions. They also have a durable sole with a deep, aggressive tread that provides excellent traction and grip, even on slippery surfaces.
Our Recommendation: TIDEWE Rubber Hunting Boots
TIDEWE Rubber Hunting Boots are designed to provide ultimate comfort and protection for hunters during the toughest conditions.
They are made from high quality, natural rubber that is waterproof and offers excellent durability against abrasion and punctures. The boots also feature breathable air-mesh lining to wick away sweat and moisture, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable all day long.
These boots come with an anti-slip sole made from a rubber material that is designed to provide excellent traction and stability on wet, slippery, and uneven surfaces. Additionally, the boots feature a removable, cushioned insole that offers excellent support and comfort to your feet, helping you stay comfortable even during long hunting trips.
- Ear Protection
Ear protection is an essential gear item for pigeon hunting. It is designed to protect the hunter’s ears from loud gunshots and other loud noises that could cause hearing damage.
The ear protection can be in the form of earplugs or earmuffs. These items are made with sound-dampening materials that reduce the decibels of the sound.
Without ear protection, a hunter could experience hearing loss or tinnitus. Therefore, it is important to wear ear protection every time you go hunting, especially if you are using a shotgun.
Our Recommendation: Walker’s Razor Slim Ultra Low Profile
The Walker’s Razor Slim Ultra Low Profile ear protection is recommended for anyone looking for reliable and effective hearing protection while hunting. The ultra-low-profile design and slim ear cups provide a secure and comfortable fit, while still allowing you to hear everything around you clearly.
What sets these ear muffs apart is their sound amplification feature, which uses hi-gain microphones to enhance low-end frequencies for accurate and natural sound. This is a great feature for pigeon hunting as it allows you to hear the soft coos and rustling of leaves while protecting your ears from the loud gunshots.
7. Decoys
Decoys are lifelike models of pigeons that are used to attract other pigeons during hunting.
They are made of various materials, including plastic, foam, and fabric, and are designed to mimic the size, shape, and coloring of real pigeons.
Our Recommendation: MOJO Elite Series Dove Spinning Wing Decoy
The MOJO Elite Series Dove Spinning Wing Decoy is an excellent choice for any pigeon hunter. We chose this particular product because of its innovative design and realistic appearance.
The motor, transmission, power supply system, and body are all attached to an easily accessible structural support frame, which means smoother, quieter, and faster operation.
This decoy also has a special removable housing that comes enclosed in a precise-fitting decoy skin with true-to-life feather detail and color for an ultra-realistic look.
8. Camo Chair
A camo chair is a portable outdoor chair that is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the hunting environment.
It is typically lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry, making it a convenient choice for hunters who need to set up and move quickly during their pigeon-hunting expeditions.
Our Recommendation: Hunters Specialties 100152
The Hunters Specialties 100152 Dove Stool is a great option for anyone looking for a portable and comfortable seating solution while hunting, fishing, or enjoying other outdoor activities.
The stool features a durable metal frame and a comfortable polyester seat with a Realtree Xtra Green camo pattern that helps you blend in with your surroundings.
One of the best features of this stool is the convenient storage pouch located underneath the seat, which provides a convenient place to store your hunting or fishing gear.
9. Camo Hat
A camo hat is a type of headwear designed with a camouflage pattern that blends in with the surrounding environment. It is commonly worn during hunting, bird watching, and other outdoor activities to help hunters and bird watchers remain undetected by their prey.
The camo hat is quite good for pigeon hunting because it allows the hunter to blend in with the environment and not spook the pigeons.
Our Recommendation: Nomad Men’s Camo Hunting
The Nomad Men’s Camo Hunting Cap with snapback closure is a top-notch choice for hunters looking for a reliable and durable camo hat. We chose this particular product because of its high-quality construction and functionality.
Made from 100% polyester, the cap is designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, while the snapback closure ensures a comfortable and secure fit for all head sizes.
The cap features a woven Nomad patch in the front, showcasing the brand’s commitment to producing authentic and innovative hunting apparel. The camo pattern is perfect for blending in with natural surroundings while tracking pigeons in the field.
10. Shooting Glasses for Morning
Shooting glasses for the morning is a type of eyewear designed to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, such as an early morning or late evening.
They usually feature yellow or orange lenses that filter out blue light and increase contrast, making it easier to see details in low light. They can be particularly essential for pigeon hunting, as these birds are often active during dawn and dusk.
Our Recommendation: Xaegistac Shooting Glasses with Case
The XaegisTac Shooting Glasses with Case is a top-quality product that we would highly recommend for anyone who engages in shooting sports or hunting. The glasses are made of high-quality materials with a plastic frame and polycarbonate lenses that are coated with anti-fog and anti-scratch coating.
The lenses are also designed to block 99.9% of harmful UV rays, which is essential when spending long hours outdoors.
One of the features that impressed me the most is the soft rubber nose pieces that provide a comfortable fit without slipping. The wrap-around lens design also ensures full side vision and maximum protection, which is crucial when engaging in any shooting activity.
11. Shooting Glasses for Midday and Evening Hunts
Shooting glasses for midday and evening hunts are designed to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, such as during sunset or on cloudy days. These glasses often have lenses with specialized coatings or tints that improve contrast and reduce glare, making it easier to spot targets and track their movements.
They may also have features like adjustable nose pads or wrap-around frames to provide a comfortable and secure fit during prolonged use.
These glasses are useful for pigeon hunting as it requires a high degree of accuracy and visual acuity to identify and shoot moving targets.
Our Recommendation: Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses
The Wiley X Saber Advanced Shooting Glasses are an excellent choice for midday and evening hunts. The lightweight design and flexible nose piece ensure that they fit comfortably for long periods of time.
The foam insert on the changeable lens provides added comfort and protection against wind, dust, and debris. These glasses meet MIL-PRF-32432 ballistic safety standards, ensuring maximum protection.
We chose this product because of its superior quality and reputation in the shooting community. The changeable series allows you to swap lenses, providing exceptional protection and visibility in any condition.
The unparalleled protection provided by Wiley X frames and lenses meets ANSI Z87.1 safety standards for optical clarity, high mass, and high-velocity impact protection.
12. Safety Orange Wear
Safety orange wear, also known as blaze orange or hunter orange, is a highly visible and brightly colored clothing or accessories designed for hunters to wear while hunting.
Safety Orange is required by law in many states during certain hunting seasons, as it helps to prevent accidental shootings and promotes safe hunting practices.
When worn, safety orange provides hunters with increased visibility, making them easily identifiable to other hunters and reducing the risk of mistaken identity.
Our Recommendation: Allen Company Adult Unisex Safety
The Allen Company Adult Unisex Safety vest is an excellent choice for hunters looking for a reliable and affordable safety vest. Made of quiet acrylic material, this vest is perfect for those who need to be seen but don’t want to scare off prey with noisy clothing.
The hook and loop closures make it easy to adjust over any clothing or jacket, and the blaze orange color ensures high visibility in the field.
We chose this product for its simple and effective design, as well as its high level of visibility. The vest is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the hook and loop closures make it easy to put on and take off. It’s also machine washable, which is a big plus.
13. Feather Cleaning Bucket
A feather cleaning bucket is a specially designed bucket that is used for cleaning and preparing feathers after a bird has been hunted.
It typically has a durable plastic or metal construction and features a series of ridges or bumps on the bottom of the bucket that helps to remove dirt, debris, and blood from the feathers.
The bucket is filled with water and a gentle cleaning solution, and the feathers are swished around inside to loosen and remove any unwanted materials.
Our Recommendation: Cowboy’s Wild Game Washer Original 5 Gallon
The Cowboy’s Wild Game Washer Original 5 Gallon is a must-have for anyone who loves to hunt and cook their own game.
The product is easy to use and saves a lot of time compared to traditional cleaning methods. The 5-gallon bucket is the perfect size for cleaning small to the medium-sized game, and the product does an excellent job of cleaning feathers, fur, and other debris from the meat.
The Cowboy’s Wild Game Washer is the perfect solution. It will make your cleaning game much easier and faster, saving you valuable time in the process. The product is also very easy to use, so even beginners can use it without any problems.
14. Scissors or Snips
Scissors or snips are handheld cutting tools with two opposing blades that meet and cut materials as they are squeezed together. They can be useful for a variety of tasks in pigeon hunting, such as cutting and removing feathers, trimming game meat, and cutting materials for blind or decoy setups.
Scissors or snips with sharp and durable blades can make these tasks easier and more efficient, allowing hunters to quickly and effectively process their game.
Our Recommendation: Camillus 9″ Multifunction Game Shear
The Camillus 9″ Multifunction Game Shear is an excellent tool for those who love hunting, camping, or cooking. The full length of the shear is 9 inches with a blade length of 4 inches, making it perfect for cutting through game, bones, and even small branches.
The shear comes with a custom-molded sheath to protect the blade when not in use, and it includes a belt clip on the back to attach it to a belt or backpack, making it easy to carry around.
The cutting blades of the shear are made of Titanium Bonded 420 stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and adhesive, and 3x harder than untreated stainless steel. This provides a sharp and long-lasting blade that can be used in different conditions.
15. Solid Belt
A solid belt is a sturdy and durable belt made of high-quality materials such as leather, nylon, or synthetic fabrics. It usually has a strong buckle and a comfortable fit to keep your pants secure and in place during any activity.
A solid belt can be useful for pigeon hunting as it ensures that your pants will not slip down while you are walking or bending over to pick up the game.
Our Recommendation: ALPS OutdoorZ Deluxe Dove Belt
The ALPS OutdoorZ Deluxe Dove Belt is a must-have for any pigeon hunter. The two “hold-open” shell pockets allow for quick and easy access to your shells, ensuring that you never miss a shot. The large game pouch with a TechMesh bottom is especially useful for draining condensation, keeping your game fresh for longer periods.
One of the best features of this belt is that the pockets can be removed or adjusted to suit personal preferences, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
16. Duty Dog Bowl
A duty dog bowl is a specially designed bowl for dogs that can withstand rough handling and outdoor conditions.
These bowls are typically made of durable materials such as stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic and have features like non-skid bottoms, easy-to-clean surfaces, and sometimes even built-in handles for easy carrying.
During a pigeon hunting trip, a duty dog bowl can be extremely useful for keeping your hunting dog hydrated and fed.
Our Recommendation: Enhanced Pet Bowl, Stainless Steel Slanted Dog Bowl
The Enhanced Pet Bowl Stainless Steel Slanted Dog Bowl is an excellent product for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with a comfortable and healthy feeding experience.
The bowl’s ergonomic slanted design promotes better posture while eating, reducing pressure on your pet’s spine and stomach.
The bowl is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it easy to clean and ensuring that it lasts a long time.
17. Camo Poncho
A camo poncho is a type of garment designed to provide concealment and protection from the elements during outdoor activities, such as hunting.
It is typically made from lightweight and waterproof material and features a camouflage pattern to help blend in with the surrounding environment.
The poncho design provides coverage for the hunter and their equipment, such as a backpack or firearm, while also allowing for freedom of movement.
Our Recommendation: AUSCAMOTEK Camouflage Rain Poncho
The AUSCAMOTEK Camouflage Rain Poncho is an excellent product for anyone who needs a reliable and durable poncho for outdoor activities, particularly for hunting.
Made of lightweight, durable, and water-resistant ripstop material, this multi-function poncho is designed to keep you and your backpack dry in wet conditions. Its large space hood is big enough to wear a golf cap or trucker hat for a broad sight view.
One of the great features of this poncho is its versatility. It can be used not only as a rain poncho but also as a hunting blind, emergency shelter, tent tarp, or picnic blanket.
It is also large enough to fit all sizes and has a big and loose design, which makes it easy to wear over your clothing or backpack.
18. Shotgun Recoil Pad
A shotgun recoil pad is a cushioned pad that attaches to the buttstock of a shotgun. It is designed to reduce the impact of recoil on the shooter’s shoulder, making it more comfortable to shoot and reducing the risk of injury.
This can be particularly useful for pigeon hunting, where a shooter may need to fire multiple shots in quick succession.
Our Recommendation: KEEPER MG Recoil Pad for Shotgun
The KEEPER MG Recoil Pad for Shotgun is an exceptional product that is worth every penny. This shotgun recoil pad is 100% synthetic, which means it is both durable and long-lasting. What makes this recoil pad stand out from others on the market is its ability to provide maximum comfort and stability during shooting.
The hyper-absorbent Visco-Elastic gel contained in the recoil pad helps to reduce the risk of injury or pain associated with gun recoil and shock. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced shoulder injuries or who are sensitive to the recoil of a shotgun.
19. Portable Beverage Cooler
A portable beverage cooler is a handy accessory for outdoor enthusiasts, such as dove hunters. It is a small, insulated container designed to keep beverages cold for an extended period. The cooler typically has a handle or shoulder strap, making it easy to carry around.
During dove hunting, being out in the sun for hours can lead to dehydration, and having access to cold beverages is essential to keep hydrated and comfortable.
Our Recommendation: Coleman Insulated Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
The Coleman Insulated Portable Thermoelectric Cooler is an outstanding product that is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. This thermoelectric cooler is designed to keep food items at an optimal temperature and can keep contents up to 40 degrees colder than the surroundings.
One of the key features of this cooler is its 8-foot power cord, which allows you to power the cooler with a car or boat outlet. This is extremely convenient for individuals who are constantly on the move and need to keep their food and drinks cold.
20. Camo Jacket
A camo jacket is a type of hunting jacket designed to blend in with natural surroundings. It features a camouflage pattern that helps the wearer blend into their environment and avoid detection by their prey.
Our Recommendation: EHG Elite Berber Fleece
The EHG Elite Berber Fleece is an excellent product that is a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. This 100% polyester fleece camo jacket with a Sherpa fleece-lined collar is designed to keep you comfortable and protected from the elements.
The EHG Kenai camo jacket is perfect for any cold weather condition, providing the necessary insulation to keep you warm and dry.
One of the key features of this jacket is its DWR water-repellant finish with added Wind-Blocker technology. This feature ensures that you remain dry and out of the breeze when the weather decides to mess with you.
21. Two Way Radios
Two-way radios are portable communication devices that use radio waves to transmit and receive audio messages. These radios can be useful for pigeon hunting as they allow for easy communication between hunters.
They can help hunters coordinate their movements, alert each other to pigeon sightings, and provide updates on the hunt.
Our Recommendation: SAMCOM FPCN30A Two Way Radios
The SAMCOM FPCN30A Two-Way Radios are a top choice for anyone in need of reliable communication in the field. These radios offer a long-range signal with 5 watts of high power, making them ideal for use in densely packed or obstructed environments.
They also feature a selectable high output mode for strong penetrating power between walls and construction areas, as well as a low mode for extended battery life.
22. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential item for any outdoor activity, including pigeon hunting. It contains a variety of medical supplies that can be used to treat minor injuries and illnesses that may occur during the hunt.
Some common items found in a first aid kit include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, and pain relief medication.
Our Recommendation: TIANBO FIRST Small First Aid Kit
The TIANBO FIRST Small First Aid Kit is an excellent product that I highly recommend. The kit is fully stocked with 120 essential first aid supplies for treating common cuts, scrapes, minor aches, and injuries.
It is designed to get you well-prepared for any potential emergency situation, making it a perfect fit for pigeon hunting.
23. Shotgun Cleaning Kit
A shotgun cleaning kit is a set of tools and cleaning supplies used to maintain and clean a shotgun. The kit typically includes a cleaning rod, brushes, patches, solvent, oil, and a case to hold everything together.
Such a kit is essential for pigeon hunting because shotguns can become dirty and clogged with residue after use. This can affect the accuracy and functionality of the weapon.
Our Recommendation: Shotgun Cleaning Kit 12 20 410 Gauge
The YETESON Shotgun Cleaning Kit is a must-have for any shotgun owner who wants to keep their firearm in top condition. We chose this particular product because of its versatility in cleaning different gauge shotguns and the number of components included in the kit.
The kit includes 5 stainless steel rods, a shotgun adapter, an aluminum handle, a pack of patches, bore brushes, cotton mops, a muzzle guard, patch holders, a gun cleaning hook, an empty oil bottle, and a portable storage bag.
The brass shaft material and high-quality brushes and picks make it easy to remove dirt, debris, and residue that may accumulate in the barrel, chamber, or other parts of the shotgun.
24. Dog Camo Life Jacket
A dog camo life jacket is a specially designed vest that provides buoyancy and flotation support for dogs when they are in the water.
It is made of lightweight, durable materials and features adjustable straps and buckles to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the dog. The camo design makes it blend in with the hunting environment.
A dog camo life jacket can be useful for pigeon hunting as it helps keep dogs safe while they are retrieving birds in the water.
Our Recommendation: X2O Sports CFD Dog Life Vest Brown Max5 Medium
The X2O Sports CFD Dog Life Vest is a must-have for any pet owner who loves outdoor water activities with their furry friend. This life vest is designed with both flexibility and safety in mind, allowing your pet to move comfortably in the water while keeping them secure.
We highly recommend this product because it is made with high-quality materials and provides excellent features.
The vest is designed to fit medium-sized dogs, and the adjustable straps with side-release buckles help you get the perfect fit for comfort and safety.
25. Camo Gloves
Camo gloves are hunting gloves designed with a camouflage pattern to blend in with the natural surroundings while hunting.
These gloves are made of materials such as neoprene, polyester, or fleece that keep your hands warm in colder temperatures. Camo gloves are useful for pigeon hunting as they help you remain undetected and prevent the birds from spotting your hand movements.
Our Recommendation: ScentLok BE:1 Trek Midweight Glove
The gloves are designed with a smooth and durable premium polyester outer layer and are lined with microfleece, which provides subtle warmth, making them perfect for chilly mid-season days.
Additionally, the gloves are designed with adaptive fingertips that allow for easy touch-screen use, which is a convenient feature in this era of technology.
One of the main benefits of the ScentLok BE:1 Trek Midweight Glove is that it blocks scent, making them ideal for hunting. The gloves’ scent-absorbing properties are essential for hunters looking to stay undetected while out in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find wild hogs during the day?
Look for signs of wild hogs such as rooting or wallowing areas, tracks, and feces in open areas or near food sources like crops or water sources.
What are the best times to dove hunt?
The best times to dove hunt are early morning and late afternoon when the birds are most active and feeding.
Where is the best place to shoot a dove?
The best place to shoot a dove is in the head or neck area to ensure a quick and humane kill.
What is the best range to shoot dove at?
The best range to shoot dove at is within 30 yards as they are small and fast-moving birds, making accurate shots at longer ranges more challenging.