Dove season opens in Georgia on September 7th, and needless to say, I am really excited. It’ll be nice to get out and see some friends. We’ve celebrated the dove opener the same way…we all meet, have some BBQ, and head out to the field (where we hope they are flying like it’s Argentina. Gunpowder is burned, high amounts of sh!t is talked, and a good time is had by all.
In terms of hunting, there isn’t too much that goes into a dove shoot. Generally carried out to your field by a tractor or truck, you pick your spot near a fence, hay, or some other structure. Then you wait. Then you shoot. It’s also the first time any of us have shot a gun at something in quite a while, so there’s usually nice little flex…showing off all that new gear you’ve accumulated over the bass fishing months. I don’t have any problem with that…however, you’d better limit out or be ready for some ribbing.
Here’s how I do it:
From top left:
1. Ball and Buck Original Camo Mesh Snapback Cap: A camo hat that you don’t mind sweating through. Truckers are a good options.
2. Randolph Engineering Aviator II Sunglasses: First shots go off when the sun is high. Not to mention the pellet rain. Plan accordingly.
3. Tom Beckbe Blind Bag: Lots of bag options when dove hunting. a blind bag is actually a good idea – big enough to carry 2-3 boxes of shells, a bag of sunflower seeds, some handkerchiefs, gun oil (just in case), and whatnot. Also good for hanging on a fence or on a branch.
4. Bull & Briar Diamondback Belt: Total flex, but this is the perfect place to do it. I have one and LOVE mine.
5. TSG Rise Shirt: A natural tone shirt as not to scare off the birds. And tech is a good move here (Lord strike me down). It’s going to be hot. Really hot.
6. Duck Camp Drifter Pants: Same as above. I usually get a bunch of crap for not wearing shorts, but I cant. I get eaten alive. Just not worth it.
7. Turtlebox Speaker: Perfect for catching the 3:30PM SEC game. Or some Dead.
8. Yeti 36 oz. Rambler: Stay hydrated, friends.
9. Boyt Shotgun Case: Some of the more popular names have gotten extremely expensive. Boyt is as good as there is, and extremely affordable. Don’t sleep on these guys.
10. Russell Moccasin Professional Hunter Boots: I got the Ball and Buck version of these, and absolutely love them. Lightweight, but sturdy for trudging through the field. And they look great.
11. Kingfisher Leatherworks Large Cartridge Bag: The only way to fly.
12. Topo Designs Rover Pack: Are you a backpack guy? Topo is so good – smart designs with a lot of options. The Rover bag is well under $100, and the colorway is very ‘field friendly’.
13. Masters Folding Chair: Yep. This one.
What did I miss?
Can’t wait for dove season! Main thing I’d add is I prefer a bucket seat that swivels, but I am usually sitting out in a sunflower field rather than against something for the shoot.
I love the Poncho short sleeve western style shirts. They have several great colors or camo patterns for the dove field. I’m changing up my hat game this year to get more protection from the sun. My boys got me the Fish Pond Eddy River hat for my birthday this summer and I love it. I’ve already put some good sweat equity into it doing yard work the past few months to break it in good prior to opening day..
Randolph Aviator II’s are my go-to in the field. Great choice
A telescopic magnetic tool for picking up brass
How does this work? The caps on shotgun shells are brass. The rest is plastic or paper. Brass is non-magnetic. Steel shot (typically for ducks) same. Does it get the primer? Not being a dick, genuinely curious.