DOVE HUNTING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
One of the many time-honored traditions in Texas, especially in the hill country, is hunting dove. Many set their calendars, plan vacations, and in more than one case, we’ve heard some people plan a pregnancy around this summer ritual. As summer gives in to Fall, it’s time to prepare for this fraternity and celebration in the field.
SEASON | ZONE | DATES
Regular North | Sep. 1, 2023 - Nov. 12, 2023 & Dec. 15-31, 2023
Central | Sep. 1, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 - Jan. 14, 2024
South | Sep. 14, 2023 - Oct. 29, 2023 & Dec. 15, 2023 - Jan. 21, 2024
Special White-Winged Dove Days South | Sep. 1-3, 2023 & Sept. 8-10, 2023
BAG LIMITS
All zones: 15 Birds daily
Daily aggregate: No more than 2 white-tipped
Post season limit: 3 times daily bag
Doves are not hard to bring down if hit squarely. It usually only takes a few pellets. Hunters should use a smaller shot size, offering more pellets creating a denser pattern. This is most effective on these fast-moving birds. Dove hunting is typically done with 7 1/2, 8, or 9 shot.
The best all-around and most common 12-gauge shotshell used in the dove fields is a 1- or 1 1/8-ounce load of 7 1/2. During the early dove season, a good shotshell is No. 8, followed up with a 7 1/2 for longer shots. The heavier loads allow for longer shots, so as the season goes on hunters can switch to loading No. 7 or even 6 depending on the conditions. The smaller No. 8 pellets are perfect for mourning doves, while 6, 7, or 7 1/2, make good on knocking down the larger white-winged doves.
What gauge should I be shooting?
The gauge of shotgun you pick for dove hunting isn’t as important as making sure you shoot the gun you are most comfortable and accurate with. Opening day of dove season is not the time to try out a new gun you haven’t shot a single round with though. Doves are some of the hardest birds to hit, so you want to use a shotgun you are confident with. Doves are difficult birds to hit, but not tough birds to drop. Many hunters will say a 12-gauge is too much gun for doves, but a 2¾-inch 1- or 1 1/8-ounce load of lead No. 7s, 8s, or 9s is fine. Sub-gauge guns like 20-gauges and 28-gauges are also great choices for doves. Whichever gauge you choose, be sure to shoot it with the proper payload and shot size.
Gear up with our Dove Season Sale HERE!
Keep your muzzle moving
Establish a solid cheek weld
Your upper body and gun should remain fixed
Don’t worry about the bead on your shotgun
Perfect your trigger pull
Happy Hunting!