Dove season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for hunters. Long summer days give way to cooler mornings, the fields come alive, and the sound of wings overhead means it’s time to shake off the rust and get after it. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or gearing up for your first hunt, preparation makes all the difference. Here are five tips to help you get ready for dove season.

1. Scout Your Fields

Don’t wait until opening day to pick your spot. Spend time scouting fields where doves are feeding, watering, and roosting. Sunflowers, millet, and wheat fields are magnets for doves. Look for flight paths and high-traffic areas, then plan your setup accordingly.

2. Gear Up the Right Way

Keep it simple, but don’t cut corners. A reliable shotgun, plenty of shells, a bucket or stool, and camouflage clothing that matches the field will set you up for success. Don’t forget essentials like eye and ear protection, a cooler with water, and—of course—a thermos full of Dirty Duck Coffee for those early mornings in the field.

3. Sharpen Your Shooting Skills

Doves are fast, erratic fliers, which makes them one of the toughest birds to hit consistently. A little preseason practice on clays can pay off big once the real thing comes flying by. Work on your follow-through and leading your target to stay sharp when the action heats up.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Not every hunt goes as planned. Weather, pressure, or a change in flight patterns can leave you staring at an empty sky. That’s where a backup plan comes in. Keep a skeet machine handy—like the 100E Wobble from Heath Sporting Company—so even if the doves don’t fly, you and your buddies can still get in quality trigger time. It keeps the day fun and makes sure you don’t waste a good morning in the field.

5. Respect the Tradition

Dove hunting is more than just shooting limits—it’s about camaraderie, time outdoors, and passing down traditions. Be safe, follow the regulations, and take a kid or newcomer along to share the experience.

Final Thoughts

Preparation is the difference between a slow sit and a successful, memorable dove hunt. Scout your fields, tune up your gear, put in some practice, and always have a backup plan. Most importantly, enjoy the season for what it is—time well spent outdoors with friends, family, and the smell of gunpowder and fresh coffee in the air.

☕🦆 Start your mornings the right way—with Dirty Duck Coffee, the only brew tough enough for hunters