Four Must-Haves for the Dove Season Opener

Dove season is just around the corner, one of the more fun and social hunts in the country.

In many areas offering liberal bag limits, the weather is warm and hunting is limited to the afternoon, eliminating the early morning rise.

The challenge of dove hunting is hitting these evasive targets. Most shooters take a couple of boxes of shells (probably more than 100 rounds) in the hopes of bagging a limit.

Like any type of hunting, the right gear can make your hunt more comfortable and successful. Bill Miller suggests these must-have items in an OutdoorHub post.

For the devoted wingshooting hunter, spring and summer are filled with clay target shooting. Doves represent the first real hunting opportunity of the fall. Satisfying as a smoked clay target can be, it’s never a 100 percent substitute for real feathers on real birds that can make erratic, evasive maneuvers—and result in terrific table fare. That’s why the traditional early September opening of dove season is such a big deal.

Except for turkey hunting—which is a whole different shotgunning ballgame—you likely have been away from the hunting field since the spring goose seasons ended. Are you ready to enjoy opening day?

Here are some things to put on your checklist to enjoy the opener to its fullest.