25 Must Buy Dove Hunting Gear Items To Buy Before The Season Starts (2024-25 Edition)
Last Updated - Aug 12, 2024
Dove season is coming in hot, so we decided to put together the essential list on what you should be buying a few weeks out before the season starts.
Chances are, if you're an avid hunter, you already have a majority of the items on this list, but this might remind you of some of the gear you forgot to replace last year!
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Dove season is coming in hot, so we decided to put together the essential list on what you should be buying a few weeks out before the season starts.
Chances are, if you're an avid hunter, you already have a majority of the items on this list, but this might remind you of some of the gear you forgot to replace last year!
TIP: If you're on a PC, press CTRL + D to bookmark this page. If you're on a Mac, press Command + D
We also thank you for your support for clicking as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases!
1. Shotgun Shells (Duh!)
Shotgun shells are an obvious one on this list but you won't believe how many times we've heard hunters packing up everything but the kitchen sink, just to end up forgetting their shotgun or shells. You'll have to visit your local gun store or outdoor retailer to pick up a case. Be sure to go early in case there's a shortage. No one wants to be the guy that has to keep borrowing shells!
Shotgun shells are an obvious one on this list but you won't believe how many times we've heard hunters packing up everything but the kitchen sink, just to end up forgetting their shotgun or shells. You'll have to visit your local gun store or outdoor retailer to pick up a case. Be sure to go early in case there's a shortage. No one wants to be the guy that has to keep borrowing shells!
2. A Good Bucket or Chair
There could be long period where you're sitting on your keister. Somedays more than others. Hopefully you're in good shape here, but in case you could use an upgrade, treat yourself and get a sturdy dove seat.
Our Recommendations:
Peregrine Venture Bucket Pack Hunting Bucket Backpack Combo
OR
Huntrite 360 Swivel Chair
There could be long period where you're sitting on your keister. Somedays more than others. Hopefully you're in good shape here, but in case you could use an upgrade, treat yourself and get a sturdy dove seat.
Our Recommendations:
Peregrine Venture Bucket Pack Hunting Bucket Backpack Combo
OR
Huntrite 360 Swivel Chair
Why we love them: This bucket provides ample storage (up to 5 boxes of shells), easy transport between hunting spots since it doubles as a backpack, and is insulated so you could store ice as well. The backpack also provides great back support for long hauls to the hunting spot.
The Huntrite chair is great to take the the deer blind as well.
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3. A Game / Dove Belt
Some people prefer hunting vests, but we generally recommend a hunting belt if you can find one you're comfortable wearing. Generally a dove belt (versus a vest) is less intrusive to your shot as you pull up on birds. Though, different hunting areas might require you to wear a vest with blaze orange.
Our Recommendation:
Auscamotek Outdoor Dove Belt
Some people prefer hunting vests, but we generally recommend a hunting belt if you can find one you're comfortable wearing. Generally a dove belt (versus a vest) is less intrusive to your shot as you pull up on birds. Though, different hunting areas might require you to wear a vest with blaze orange.
Our Recommendation:
Auscamotek Outdoor Dove Belt
Why we love it: Equipped with two large shell pockets, a limit-sized game bag, a lightweight design, this bag has everything you need. We also love the industrial magnets that keep the pockets closed. It also has a handy water bottle pouch that will keep you hydrated while you're out looking for that bird you dropped!
Why we love it: Equipped with two large shell pockets, a limit-sized game bag, a lightweight design, this bag has everything you need. We also love the industrial magnets that keep the pockets closed. It also has a handy water bottle pouch that will keep you hydrated while you're out looking for that bird you dropped!
4. Decoys
We can guarantee that if your hunting buddies are using decoys on their spot and you're not, you're probably going to have a harder time getting a limit. Setting up decoys allows you to potentially stay in one spot longer and not have to continually try and pattern dove fly zones as hunting pressure rises on your hunt.
Our Recommendation:
Old Faithful: Mojo Outdoors Voodoo Dove Decoy (aka Mojo Dove)
We can guarantee that if your hunting buddies are using decoys on their spot and you're not, you're probably going to have a harder time getting a limit. Setting up decoys allows you to potentially stay in one spot longer and not have to continually try and pattern dove fly zones as hunting pressure rises on your hunt.
Our Recommendation:
Old Faithful: Mojo Outdoors Voodoo Dove Decoy (aka Mojo Dove)
Why we love it: It works so well it almost should be illegal! Trust us. The Mojo Dove is probably one the biggest changes to the hunting game since semi-auto shotguns. If you haven't seen this in action you're missing out.
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OTHER OPTIONS:
5. Hunting Boots or Shoes
Finding the right hunting boot is critical. You want something that's tough enough to last several years, can take on tough terrain, and is comfortable enough to wear for several hours. There's also the balance between weight, keeping your feet dry, and not too hot.
Our Recommendation:
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Finding the right hunting boot is critical. You want something that's tough enough to last several years, can take on tough terrain, and is comfortable enough to wear for several hours. There's also the balance between weight, keeping your feet dry, and not too hot.
Our Recommendation:
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Why we love it: This shoe has out-of-the-box comfort with durable leather, supportive footbed, and great traction to standup to a beating. Depending on where you hunt, it can get really hot during dove season and this shoe provides a balance of protection and comfort.
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6. A Good Camo Hat
The Texas sun can be brutal at the beginning and bulk of dove season. Not only is it bad for your skin, but it's bad for your aim. If you can't see the dove, how can you shoot them? Get a good camo hat man!
Our Recommendation:
Under Armour Men's Camo 2.0 Heat Gear Hat
The Texas sun can be brutal at the beginning and bulk of dove season. Not only is it bad for your skin, but it's bad for your aim. If you can't see the dove, how can you shoot them? Get a good camo hat man!
Our Recommendation:
Under Armour Men's Camo 2.0 Heat Gear Hat
Why we love it: Like most UA Heat Gear products, this wicks away sweat and keeps you cool. It comes standard with a pre-curved visor and is a super comfortable hat. Poly-twill construction makes for a lightweight and flexible feel. UA's Scent Control also makes it great for deer season. Available in blaze orange too!
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7. A Light Weight Camo Shirt
The combination of carrying a dove bucket, a utility belt, searching for lost dove, and triple-digit heat can take a toll no any hunter. Making sure you have a lightweight camo shirt can be a lifesaver (literally).
Our Recommendation:
SITKA Men's Camo Hunting Core Lightweight Crew Short Sleve Shirt
The combination of carrying a dove bucket, a utility belt, searching for lost dove, and triple-digit heat can take a toll no any hunter. Making sure you have a lightweight camo shirt can be a lifesaver (literally).
Our Recommendation:
SITKA Men's Camo Hunting Core Lightweight Crew Short Sleve Shirt
Why we love it: Made from high-quality, quick-dry 100% polyester with comfort stretch knit, it's hard to beat SITKA. The patented pattern not only looks slick, but it's proven to be one of the best out there!
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8. Camo Pants With Plenty of Pockets
With so much to carry on your person, it doesn't hurt to have some quality hunting pants with plenty of storage. Be sure to balance keeping cool with functionality depending on your hunting terrain.
Our Recommendation:
SITKA Men's Lightweight Hunting Performance Traverse Pant
With so much to carry on your person, it doesn't hurt to have some quality hunting pants with plenty of storage. Be sure to balance keeping cool with functionality depending on your hunting terrain.
Our Recommendation:
SITKA Men's Lightweight Hunting Performance Traverse Pant
Why we love it: Made for comfort, concealment, and lightweight. The 4-way stretch polyester gives maximum fit, feel and mobility in a streamlined build.
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9. Ear Plugs or Ear Protection
Huh?! What?! Do you want to increasingly repeat those phrases your whole life? Repeated ear-deafening shotgun blasts can do a number on your hearing. Ear protection is a must if you don't want to end up like grandpa.
Our Recommendation:
DECIBULLZ Custom Molded Percussive Ear Plugs
Huh?! What?! Do you want to increasingly repeat those phrases your whole life? Repeated ear-deafening shotgun blasts can do a number on your hearing. Ear protection is a must if you don't want to end up like grandpa.
Our Recommendation:
DECIBULLZ Custom Molded Percussive Ear Plugs
Why we love them: Protects your ears from loud noise damage but still allows you to hear voices clearly for safety or collaboration. Heavy duty handy, key-ring attached aluminum carrying case keeps you ear plugs safe and clean
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10. Shooting Glasses for Morning
For shooting in the morning, you'll want to pick up some yellow shooting glasses to brighten up the sky so you can see birds with greater contrast.
Our Recommendation:
iLumen8 Yellow Vision Safety Glasses
For shooting in the morning, you'll want to pick up some yellow shooting glasses to brighten up the sky so you can see birds with greater contrast.
Our Recommendation:
iLumen8 Yellow Vision Safety Glasses
Why we love them: Unique pale-yellow lenses not only increase contrast, but also make for better depth-perception, making these shooting glasses ideal for shooting and hunting.
11. Sunglasses for Midday and Evening Hunts
Again, if you can't see the dove, you can't shoot them. It's good to wear sunglasses for protection from the sun and shotgun pellets. Try to get lighter colored shades to allow for maximum visibility.
Our Recommendation:
Leopold Packout Performance Eyeware with Bronze Lens
Again, if you can't see the dove, you can't shoot them. It's good to wear sunglasses for protection from the sun and shotgun pellets. Try to get lighter colored shades to allow for maximum visibility.
Our Recommendation:
Leopold Packout Performance Eyeware with Bronze Lens
Why we love them: Maximum impact protection and Leupold's In-Fused polarized technology uses advanced manufacturing for permanent protection.
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12. Some Safety Orange Wear
Some hunting areas require Blaze orange. If you're hunting in close proximity with inexperienced hunters, it's recommended anyway. It's also good if you're bringing minors to keep them visible.
Our Recommendation:
Mossy Oak Vest One Size
Some hunting areas require Blaze orange. If you're hunting in close proximity with inexperienced hunters, it's recommended anyway. It's also good if you're bringing minors to keep them visible.
Our Recommendation:
Mossy Oak Vest One Size
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13. A Solid Belt
You'll need a good belt to keep your pants and dove belt up. Make sure you don't forget this one.
Our Recommendation:
Real Tree Men's Comfort Stretch Stitched Camo Belt
You'll need a good belt to keep your pants and dove belt up. Make sure you don't forget this one.
Our Recommendation:
Real Tree Men's Comfort Stretch Stitched Camo Belt
Why we love it: It's a nice belt that holds up really well. Be sure to go up a few waist sizes when buying a hunting belt.
Why we love it: It's a nice belt that holds up really well. Be sure to go up a few waist sizes when buying a hunting belt.
14. Hardy Pair of Scissors or Snips
Cleaning your birds after a successful hunt is made a whole lot easier with a good pair of snips. Make sure you have some sharp ones!
Our Recommendation:
Gerber Vital Take-A-Part Serrated Shears
Cleaning your birds after a successful hunt is made a whole lot easier with a good pair of snips. Make sure you have some sharp ones!
Our Recommendation:
Gerber Vital Take-A-Part Serrated Shears
Why we love them: These are easy to spot, easy to use, and easy to clean. They're also super sharp!
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15. A Feather Cleaning Bucket
Cleaning off all those feathers can be a chore. Make it easier on yourself and sanitary with a bucket dedicated to cleaning your birds.
Our Recommendation:
Cowboy's Wild Game Washer Original 5 Gallon
Cleaning off all those feathers can be a chore. Make it easier on yourself and sanitary with a bucket dedicated to cleaning your birds.
Our Recommendation:
Cowboy's Wild Game Washer Original 5 Gallon
Why we love it: A simple design and a hardy product. The bucket system hooks right up to your water hose making a cyclone effect for cleaning off feathers in an efficient manner.
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16. A Heavy Duty Dog Bowl
You want to keep that "good boy" hydrated in the summer heat. Reward him or her with a water bowl that keeps cool and doesn't turn over in the back of the truck.
Our Recommendation:
YETI Boomer 8 Stainless Steel, Non-Slip Dog Bowl (64 ounces)
You want to keep that "good boy" hydrated in the summer heat. Reward him or her with a water bowl that keeps cool and doesn't turn over in the back of the truck.
Our Recommendation:
YETI Boomer 8 Stainless Steel, Non-Slip Dog Bowl (64 ounces)
Why we love it: This hoss holds a helluva lot of water at 64oz. You won't have to continually be filling up their bowl. With non-slip grips and weighing 2.5 lbs, you can also be sure it won't tip over in the back of the truck.
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17. Portable Beverage Cooler
Keep your water ice cold in the Texas heat or your preferred ayyhemm... "liquid hydration"
Our Recommendation:
RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag - Camo Edition
Keep your water ice cold in the Texas heat or your preferred ayyhemm... "liquid hydration"
Our Recommendation:
RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag - Camo Edition
Why we love it: If you're not wanting to pay premium prices for brands like YETI and want something a little more sophisticated than your old Igloo lunch cooler, RTIC's camo cooler bag is a great option. It holds over 40 cans plus ice and is tough as nails.
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18. Shotgun Cleaning Kit
Order this one today if you don't have one. We recommend giving your shotgun a thorough cleaning before the start of the season and after each hunt.
Our Recommendation:
GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Order this one today if you don't have one. We recommend giving your shotgun a thorough cleaning before the start of the season and after each hunt.
Our Recommendation:
GLORYFIRE Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
Why we love it: It's got everything. This can be used on all your guns so you'll definitely get your money's worth.
19. A Portable Camo Poncho
Texas weather can be crazy and unpredictable. There's no promise that a rain will not show the day of your hunt. Sometimes is just temporary or a slight drizzle. That's where having a poncho in your bucket will make your unprepared buddies envious. After-all, the dove don't always stop flying in the rain!
Our Recommendation:
M-Tac Men's Military Grade Poncho
Texas weather can be crazy and unpredictable. There's no promise that a rain will not show the day of your hunt. Sometimes is just temporary or a slight drizzle. That's where having a poncho in your bucket will make your unprepared buddies envious. After-all, the dove don't always stop flying in the rain!
Our Recommendation:
M-Tac Men's Military Grade Poncho
Why we love it: This is one of the highest-rated, most-badass ponchos you can find. It's big enough for 99% of men and will keep your shotgun dry if the rain really starts to come down.
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20. Light Camo Jacket
Just like sudden rainstorms, Texas can also have odd cool fronts come through. While this is pretty rare, sometimes the mornings can be a little nippy. If you want to throw light jacket in the backseat of the truck, it's probably not a bad idea.
Our Recommendation:
FROGG TOGGS Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket
Just like sudden rainstorms, Texas can also have odd cool fronts come through. While this is pretty rare, sometimes the mornings can be a little nippy. If you want to throw light jacket in the backseat of the truck, it's probably not a bad idea.
Our Recommendation:
FROGG TOGGS Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket
Why we love it: FROGG TOGGS are lightweight, affordable and easy to pack. Great for early season.
21. Two Way Radios
It's hard to yell 400 yards a way to your buddy that can't see the flock of dove about to fly over his 6' oclock. We've seen yelling "BIRD!" completely divert their flight pattern. The smart hunters will use 2 way radios to bag more birds and save their vocal chords.
Our Recommendation:
Midland GXT1050VP4 50 Channel Two Way Radio w/ 36 Mile Range
It's hard to yell 400 yards a way to your buddy that can't see the flock of dove about to fly over his 6' oclock. We've seen yelling "BIRD!" completely divert their flight pattern. The smart hunters will use 2 way radios to bag more birds and save their vocal chords.
Our Recommendation:
Midland GXT1050VP4 50 Channel Two Way Radio w/ 36 Mile Range
Why we love them: These walkie-talkies feature 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels, along with channel scan to check for activity. The JIS4 Waterproof Protection prevents splashing water from having any harmful effect on it (splash resistant).
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22. First Aid Kit
First aid is always handy. We've had people catch a pellet in the back, a dove decoy metal stake go through someone's hand, and plenty of thorns and bee stings. Keep this close by!
Our Recommendation:
Surviveware Large First Aid Kit + Mini Kit for Trucks
First aid is always handy. We've had people catch a pellet in the back, a dove decoy metal stake go through someone's hand, and plenty of thorns and bee stings. Keep this close by!
Our Recommendation:
Surviveware Large First Aid Kit + Mini Kit for Trucks
Why we love it: This kit comes with 200 basic first aid items for your truck with additional space to add your own items. Anyone who is serious about preparedness ends up customizing their kit and adding their own supplies anyway.
23. Shotgun Recoil Pad
If you really get into them (or if you're a really bad shot), a recoil pad for your shotgun might just save your shoulder from turning into hamburger meat.
Our Recommendation:
TinyPrice Gel Filled Slip On Recoil Pads
If you really get into them (or if you're a really bad shot), a recoil pad for your shotgun might just save your shoulder from turning into hamburger meat.
Our Recommendation:
TinyPrice Gel Filled Slip On Recoil Pads
Why we love it: It works great in a pinch. If you feel like you don't need it, there's no fuss in taking it off. If your shoulder starts to get sore, you can slip it on with ease. Expect teasing but you'll have the last laugh.
24. Retrieving Dog Camo Life Jacket
If you hunt near water, your pup might have to brave a swim for dove that kamikaze into the drink. A life-jacket keeps your best friend safe and doesn't allow him to get wore out when swimming. It also doubles as protection against thick brush, cactus, or stickers.
Our Recommendation:
Camo Pet Life Preserver
If you hunt near water, your pup might have to brave a swim for dove that kamikaze into the drink. A life-jacket keeps your best friend safe and doesn't allow him to get wore out when swimming. It also doubles as protection against thick brush, cactus, or stickers.
Our Recommendation:
Camo Pet Life Preserver
Why we love it: No need to get fancy here as Fido will be just fine in this affordable life jacket. You'll also appreciate the back handle gives you greater leverage on eager dogs running when they're not supposed to.
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25. A Grill Upgrade
Who doesn't like bacon-wrapped, jalepeño stuffed dove? No dove hunting list would be complete without a reminder of how delish they are. If you've been meaning to beef-up your grill, this dove season would be a great time to test it out!
Our Recommendation:
Traegar TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill and Smoker
Who doesn't like bacon-wrapped, jalepeño stuffed dove? No dove hunting list would be complete without a reminder of how delish they are. If you've been meaning to beef-up your grill, this dove season would be a great time to test it out!
Our Recommendation:
Traegar TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill and Smoker
Why we love it: Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. We can taste those dove now!
Why we love it: Never use gas or charcoal again: cooking with wood just tastes better. Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill as the ultimate way to achieve wood-fired taste. We can taste those dove now!
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