Ray's Picks: Dove Season Essentials for Every Hunter

Welcome to another exciting edition of Ray's Picks! Today, we’re diving into the essentials for dove season, a highly anticipated time for both novice and seasoned hunters. Dove hunting demands precision, patience, and, most importantly, top-quality gear. From selecting the right shotgun shells to ensuring your pack offers maximum comfort, every piece of equipment is crucial for a successful hunt. Whether you’re heading to the lush fields of Arkansas or setting up at your local favorite spot, shopping at Fort Thompson Sporting Goods will ensure you have the best gear to elevate your hunting experience.

Must-Have Ammunition: Winchester Does It Best

When it comes to selecting the perfect ammunition for dove hunting, Winchester leads the pack with options designed to boost both range and accuracy. For those wielding a 20 Gauge, the Winchester Super X Upland and Small Game 20 Gauge 2 3/4 IN 1 OZ 7 1/2# offers a balance of moderate recoil and effective performance, ideal for quick-moving targets at varying distances.

 

Alternatively, the Winchester Fast Dove High Brass 12 Gauge 2 3/4in 1 oz 8# shells are designed for those who prefer a 12 Gauge shotgun. Their high brass construction ensures reliability and consistent firing, making them a top choice for hunters who expect a high volume of shots in active dove fields. Both options are crafted to help you shoot with confidence and consistency during the action-packed dove season.

 

Gear Up: Storage and Stealth

Alps Outdoorz Ranger Bag – A durable and compact bag is indispensable for keeping your essentials secure and accessible in the field. This ranger bag is not only lightweight but also features a variety of pockets for organized storage, ensuring quick access to ammo, snacks, or a water bottle without the need to rummage.

In addition to a sturdy bag, appropriate apparel is crucial for both concealment and comfort. Outfits such as Sitka Optifade Timber and the Drake Original Treestand blend seamlessly into your environment, thanks to their camo patterns specifically designed to deceive a dove’s sharp eye. Furthermore, Natural Gear offers apparel that combines comfort with durability, perfect for long hours outdoors awaiting your next opportunity.

Set the Scene: Decoys and Concealment

Deploying decoys such as Avian X Powerflight Dove Decoy and Lucky Duck HD Dove Decoy can significantly increase your chances of attracting doves close enough for a successful hunt. These decoys are designed with realism in mind, mimicking the appearance and behavior of a live dove, thus enticing others into your range.

Strategically setting up these decoys in known feeding areas or along flight paths could offer that edge needed during a busy dove season. Effective use of decoys, combined with the stealth provided by your camo gear, sets up a perfect hunting scenario where doves are lulled into a sense of security.

Stay Comfortable and Focused

Dove hunting often means spending several hours outdoors, which requires preparations to handle pests and protect your hearing. Ben's Insect Repellent is a game-changer for maintaining comfort during warm early-season hunts. 

Additionally, protecting your ears is paramount, especially with frequent gunshots. The Walker Ear Protection devices offer high-quality noise reduction and hearing protection, crucial for maintaining long-term auditory health while allowing you to stay tuned to the sounds of nature and incoming doves.

Ready, Set, Hunt!

Preparing for dove season means curating a kit that not only boosts your hunting efficiency but also enhances your overall experience. Each piece of equipment, from your shotgun shells to your mosquito repellent, plays a pivotal role. Embrace the season with gear that’s tried and tested for success and comfort.

By choosing wisely and preparing thoroughly, you’re setting yourself up for memorable outings filled with successful harvests and enjoyable moments in nature’s theater.

Happy hunting!