Dove Hunting, hailed as one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of bird hunting, captivates both seasoned hunters and beginners with its unique challenges and rewards.

But success in this activity demands much more than just a keen eye and a steady hand. One crucial yet often overlooked Dove Hunting gear is the hunter's attire. Selecting the right clothing for dove hunting is about more than just comfort; it can markedly influence the outcome of your hunt.

In this post, we will delve into selecting the right attire for a day on the dove field, highlight key factors to consider while dressing for a hunt and provide thoughtful recommendations for different weather conditions.

Whether you're a novice preparing for your first hunt or an experienced hunter seeking to refine your gear, this guide enhances your next dove hunting experience.

Clothing for Hot Weather

When dressing for a warm-weather hunt, the aim is to stay cool and comfortable without sacrificing concealment. A lightweight dress in drab or earthy tones is suitable in the summer heat; short sleeves are common, and long sleeves are recommended for enhanced protection against insects and sunburn.

Shirts

When selecting a shirt for dove hunting, especially in hot weather, comfort and practicality should be paramount. You'll want a breathable and lightweight shirt, allowing optimal ventilation while in the field under the blazing sun.

Fishing-style long-sleeve shirts are a popular choice among dove hunters. They are typically designed with a vented back panel for increased airflow and are made from quick-drying fabric to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the hunt.

Another excellent option is a dry-fit type shirt, designed to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry during strenuous activities. These shirts are usually made from polyester blends, known for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

Camouflage shirts can also be a great choice, as they help you blend into your surroundings and avoid being detected by the keen-eyed low flying birds.

Opting for shirts in natural shades like olive greens or browns is advisable, as these colors are less likely to alert doves to your presence. Brands like Sitka, Kuiu, Drake, and Columbia offer a wide range of high-quality, breathable camouflage shirts designed specifically for hunting.

Remember to balance comfort, functionality, and concealment when choosing a shirt to enhance your dove-hunting experience.

Pants

Choosing the right pair of hunting pants can significantly contribute to your hunt's success and comfort. For dove hunting, long pants are strongly recommended over shorts.

This provides ample concealment and offers much-needed protection against insect bites, thorny plants, and potential snake bites that are common in hunting environments.

Material selection is crucial when choosing hunting pants. Breathable fabrics like cotton, synthetic blends, or lightweight denim are ideal, as they offer comfort and are not easily torn by thorny underbrush. Opting for pants with multiple pockets to conveniently store essentials like a cell phone, hunting license, or ammunition is also sensible.

When it comes to color selection, earth tones like browns, greens, or tans are preferable. These shades will help you blend into the surroundings and avoid detection by the sharp-sighted doves. Some hunters even opt for camouflage pants to further boost their concealment.

Above all, ensure that the pants you choose are roomy enough to allow good mobility yet well-fitting to avoid snagging on branches or brush. With the right pair of pants, you'll be better equipped for a successful and enjoyable dove hunting experience.

Footwear

Footwear selection is pivotal in a successful and comfortable hunting experience. Your choice of shoes should offer support and protection and keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the hunt. In hot weather, breathability becomes an essential factor.

A lightweight upland hunting boot is the most preferred choice among hunters. Our favorites are the Irish Setter Wingshooter, if you are on a budget, and the Danner Grouse, as the premium pick. These boots are designed with breathable waterproof membranes to keep your feet dry while allowing air to circulate, providing excellent comfort even in hot weather.

If for some reason you don't like hunting boots (but I couldn't find a good reason), a great option to consider is lace-up Keen Utility boots. Known for their superior comfort and durability, these shoes are designed to handle the rough terrain typical of hunting grounds.

They offer excellent foot protection and solid arch support, and their trademark rubber toe guards will shield you from any accidental stubs against rocks, logs, or brush. The open design and special breathable material help keep your feet cool in the heat.

Breathable tennis shoes can be an option, particularly for hunts in dry environments where water resistance is not a priority. These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and designed for good ventilation. Moreover, their flexible soles provide excellent grip on varied terrains, ensuring safe and stable movement during the hunt.

If you are hunting in areas around a water source or known for having snakes, it is better to have a pair of snake boots, like the LaCrosse Alpha.

Regardless of your footwear, remember that blending with the environment is important to avoid alerting doves to your presence. A camouflaged covering for your shoes can be an added advantage.

As with other attire, selecting the right footwear balances comfort, functionality, and concealment to maximize your dove-hunting experience.

Clothing for Cold Weather

During the end weeks of the dove season, in cold weather, you will need to layer several items of clothing to keep the chill away while still allowing for easy movement.

The aim is to stay warm and concealed without compromising on your mobility. When dressing for a hunt. Selecting the right combination of clothes can help ensure that you remain comfortable during an extended outdoor activity.

Layering

When layering clothes, the aim is to create a warm, breathable, and comfortable base. Here's a suggested combination of layers:

Base Layers

The importance of base layers for maintaining warmth in cold weather cannot be overstated. They serve as your second skin, trapping the body's natural heat to keep you warm while also wicking away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the hunting trip.

Merino wool is an excellent material choice for base layers. It not only offers superior insulation but is also highly breathable, allowing for better control of your body temperature.

What sets merino wool apart from other wool types is its ultrafine fibers, which give it a softer, non-itchy feel against your skin. Moreover, it naturally possesses anti-microbial properties, reducing odor build-up during long hunting trips.

Another viable option for base layers is synthetic material. Synthetic fibers, like polyester or polypropylene, are praised for their moisture-wicking capabilities, making them suitable for physically demanding activities like hunting.

These materials dry quickly, ensuring you stay dry even when sweating. They are also generally lightweight, providing warmth without adding bulk.

Choosing the right base layers is crucial for comfort during cold-weather hunts. Whether you opt for merino wool or synthetic materials, ensure they fit snugly to maximize their insulation properties while allowing for efficient moisture wicking. Remember, the goal is to stay warm, dry, and comfortable to focus on the hunt, not the cold.

Insulating layer

The insulating layer's primary function is to retain heat by trapping air close to your body, making materials like fleece and down ideal for this purpose.

Fleece, made from synthetic material, is highly appreciated for its superior insulation properties, lightweight, and breathability. It provides warmth without adding bulk, making it comfortable for layering, and its moisture-wicking properties help keep you dry.

Additionally, fleece is durable and dries quickly, making it an excellent choice for hunting in cold, damp conditions.

Down, on the other hand, is renowned for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. It consists of the soft, fluffy undercoat of ducks or geese, providing unrivaled natural insulation.

Down creates a high loft that traps air and retains heat, which is essential for frigid hunting environments. However, its performance is significantly reduced when wet, so it's best suited for dry, cold conditions or when combined with a water-resistant outer layer.

Whether you choose fleece or down depends on personal preference and the specific weather conditions you anticipate during your hunting excursion.

Outer layer

The outer layer, the shell layer, is your primary defense against the environment, protecting you from wind, rain, and snow. Choosing a rugged jacket that can withstand the harsh conditions often encountered during a hunting trip is vital.

A good outer layer will be durable, water-resistant, and windproof, yet breathable enough to allow moisture from your body to escape, preventing overheating and moisture build-up within your layers.

When selecting an outer layer for cold weather dove hunting, consider jackets with a camouflage pattern to blend with the environment. The jacket should offer flexibility for freedom of movement and ample pockets for convenient hunting gear storage.

Features like a removable hood, adjustable cuffs, and a high collar can provide added protection against the elements. If you choose to wear blaze orange hunting vests, you can opt for ones with mesh lining if you need extra insulation without the bulk.

Remember, while the outer layer is not typically designed for insulation, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the warmth generated by your base and insulating layers, making it an integral part of your cold-weather hunting outfit.

Footwear for Cold Weather

When it comes to hunting in cold weather, choosing the right footwear is just as crucial as selecting appropriate clothing. Your feet are particularly susceptible to the cold, and keeping them warm and dry is essential for a comfortable and successful hunting trip.

Insulated hunting boots are an excellent choice for cold-weather hunting. They are specially designed with additional insulating materials to retain heat, keeping your feet warm in extreme cold conditions. The level of insulation needed will depend on the temperature and your activity level.

If you move a lot, a lower level of insulation may suffice, whereas a higher level of insulation will be needed if you will be stationary for extended periods.

In addition to insulation, the boots should be waterproof to prevent moisture from snow or wet terrain from seeping in, and they should have a durable construction to withstand the rugged conditions of a hunting trip. A comfortable fit is also important to avoid blisters and discomfort during long hours on the trail.

For a comprehensive guide on choosing and caring for insulated hunting boots, visit our article "The Ultimate Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Insulated Hunting Boots". There, you'll find valuable tips and insights to help you make the best choice for your cold-weather hunting footwear.

Other Dove Hunting Accessories

In addition to the aforementioned items, there are other essential items to remember when planning an upland wing shooting trip. Generally, you should always dress for the conditions and carry additional supplies for those 'just in case' moments:

Hats

Hats are an essential part of any cold-weather hunting gear. They provide warmth by preventing heat loss through the head and offer sun protection, reducing the risk of sunburn and glare-induced visual impairment.

In addition, hats can provide a degree of concealment, blending with the environment and making you less noticeable to wildlife. For maximum comfort, choose hats made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials.

Sunglasses

Shooting glasses are more than a stylish accessory – they are a crucial aspect of your hunting gear. They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare, enhancing visibility on sunny or cloudy days. To choose the best hunting sunglasses, visit our comprehensive guide here.

Ear Protection

Ear protection is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of hunting safety gear. The noise from gunshots can harm your hearing over time, making ear protection necessary for regular hunters.

In addition to protecting your hearing, earmuffs can provide warmth in cold weather. For an in-depth look at the best electronic earmuffs for shooting, check out our article here. If earmuffs are not your style, then at least bring a pair of ear plugs.

Dove Bags

Dove bags or (dove belts) are a convenient way to store your harvested game, keeping it clean and free from contamination while in transport. When selecting a dove bag, choose one made of water-resistant material for added protection against moisture and dirt.

The bag should also offer ample storage space for game birds and room for other essential hunting gear. Some hunters even prefer keeping their mojo dove decoy inside their bag!

Hydration Pack

Staying hydrated during a long day of hunting is crucial for maintaining energy and focus. Cold weather can often be deceptive when it comes to hydration needs. The cold environment might lead hunters to believe they aren't sweating and,, therefore, don't need to drink as much.

However, the dry winter air can quickly dehydrate the body. Water is a must-have, no matter the season if you're planning a full day of hunting. It is best to have a hydration pack and avoid ice cold drinks while hunting in the hot summer weather.

Consider adding electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade Fit to your pack. These replace the water lost from physical exertion and essential salts and minerals.

What clothing is best for dove hunting?

For dove hunting, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved camo shirts made of wicking fabric. These shirts not only protect from mosquitoes and the sun but also ensure comfort.

Additionally, lightweight and breathable pants are highly recommended for protecting your legs as you navigate the brush. To maximize protection, opt for lightweight upland hunting boots.

What eye protection for dove hunting?

While specific eye protection gear will depend on the hunter's preferences, it is generally advisable to wear protective eyewear during any form of hunting to shield your eyes from potential harm, such as stray fragments or dust.

Wearing shooting sunglasses will also help to prevent glare from the sun, which can hamper visibility and fatigue your eyes. Be sure to choose sunglasses that provide protection and fit comfortably for maximum efficiency.

Can you wear khakis dove hunting?

Yes, you can wear khakis for dove hunting. The key is to wear clothing that blends with the environment. Even if you avoid camouflage clothing, wearing a natural, earthy color will provide the necessary cover.

Khaki trousers can be a great option for dove hunting; they fit comfortably and match well with natural foliage. Additionally, khakis maintain their coolness in warm temperatures, making them ideal for hot-weather hunts. Be sure to select loose-fitting khakis that allow mobility while navigating the brush.

What is the best color to wear dove hunting?

When it comes to dove hunting, the best color to wear is one that blends with your environment. Neutral shades like browns, tans and greens are great options for blending in with natural foliage. It is also important to avoid bright colors such as white or red since these can easily alert approaching game birds of your presence.

For the best camouflage, opt for a camo pattern incorporating greens and browns. If you prefer solid colors, choose earthy shades such as olive green or khaki. The goal is to disappear into your landscape, so pick clothing that matches the surrounding terrain.

What is the best bag for dove hunting?

When looking for a bag to carry harvested game, it's important to select one with ample storage capacity and made of water-resistant material for added protection. Additionally, it should have enough compartments to store other essential items such as snacks, water bottles and first-aid supplies.

For smaller hunting trips, a game vest is ideal since it can be easily removed and stored in a backpack when not needed. For larger hunts, a dove bag or (dove belt) is the best option. These bags feature several pockets and ample storage space for all the game birds you are likely to collect throughout your hunting trip.

What snacks should I bring while dove hunting?

When choosing snacks for a dove hunt, it's important to select nutrient-rich foods that will provide energy without weighing you down too much. Examples include trail mix, jerky, energy bars, nuts and dried fruit.

Consider adding more substantial snacks such as sandwiches or wraps for longer trips. If you have food allergies or special dietary requirements, be sure to adjust your snack selection accordingly.

In general, look for foods high in protein and healthy fats which will keep your energy levels steady throughout the hunt. Finally, remember to stay hydrated – bring plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to minimize the risk of dehydration.

Conclusion

Dove hunting can be an enjoyable experience, but only if you are properly prepared and outfitted for the elements. Select clothing that fits comfortably and blends with your environment to maximize your success on the field.

Additionally, don't forget to bring all the necessary supplies such as snacks, water, and first-aid kits. With these tips in mind, you will surely have an enjoyable and safe dove-hunting adventure.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

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