8 Tips For Dove Hunting

In this video I give my 8 best tips for dove hunting that will hopefully help you bag more birds. These are all tips that shouldn't be tough to for y'all to use in the field and with opening day just around the corner I figured now was a good time to share them. The tips cover a wide array of things such as picking a spot, decoy strategy, choke selection, and recovering your bird. I hope everyone has a good 2019 dove season and stays safe while doing so. Thanks for watching!
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[@fredcook5448]

Old guy who was reared in the Mississippi Delta morning dove capital of America. Best advice don't stop swinging when you pull the trigger follow through.

[@aaronvaldez8470]

I'll try that

[@pipeandakrape]

today was my first time ever hunting in general, and first time hunting dove. I had such a good time, definitely needed that pointer about marking wear they fall cuz I needed help finding a few of them but only truly lost 1. I will deploy much more of these tips next time. thank you!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad to hear that you had a good time! Have you been out again since then?

[@markive9907]

Been hunting the lil buggers for yrs , I’m still at 5 per box ! They have a way of dipping at the right time ! 😂

[@sportsmanoftheozarks1575]

5 per box is decent for Missouri doves don't feel bad man any hardcore dove Hunter has had days were a box went by and only one bird went dowm

[@generalfranco9399]

They do this thing that makes me laugh but also angry. When you just miss them or the wad Flys by them they tuck and dive just like they got hit and RIGHT before hitting the ground they just fly away lol

[@Sseed93]

Great tips! Going to try dove hunting with these tips. Thank you for the informative video.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Hope you can bag a few! Let me know how it goes

[@freeman7079]

Great video! The only problem is: it’s been raining in North Texas every day since opening day and there aren’t any dove this year!

[@Karen-cb8uu]

Don’t feel bad man same down here where I’m at Bastrop tx way to much rain with the recent storms and cold fronts has the doves scattered worst year I’ve had so far sine I was around 13 and I’m 24

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks man! I hope they show up for y’all soon down there! We’re facing some of the same issues since the last cold front we got seemed to send all our birds south

[@ZmanT95]

Look llike its the same this year

[@wanderingspider8988]

Speak for yourself. I have seen hundreds since opening day on public land. You need to find 3 things; Trees, Water and Food sources. Often the outskirts of the city limits works well as many dove will nest in the city and go forage just out of the suburban areas.

[@gregswank547]

Good video. My choice of choke is skeet, and no tighter than light mod. Again, great video!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Greg! I appreciate it!

[@slyflyby]

Good tips for everyone Thomas. Nationally more shells are shot on an average dove season than All of the other game birds combine. Another stat that sure supports the above statistic is :the Average dove hunter kills 4 to 5 doves per box of 25 shells!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Sly! Wow I didn't know either of those stats but neither surprises me. I'm always happy is I can get my limit with two boxes or less. They're definitely not easy to hit though.

[@matthewjaynes9973]

If u kill 4 to 5 birds out of 25 shells u suck

[@HokeOutdoors]

Most people shoot at a low percentage, 1 bird per 5 shells really isn't surprising to me if it is an average of the general hunting population

[@brianthompson1045]

Matthew Jaynes I suck then

[@paraplegichistoricalsports5700]

Some of the best dove hunting advice I have yet to c on Utube. Your gonna grow into a hell of a hunter young man. and welcome to come hunt with me anytime in Southeastern NC! I have 2 very, very large farmers that give me hunting access to all of their land. And they grow corn year after year. Some great hunting. I gave my last bird 5 feet of lead and about 6 inches high of lead, at at least 55 or 60 yards yesterday and nailed him with my 12 gauge side by side muzzle loading shotgun. I have developed an awesome dove load for this gun out the improved and the modified barrels. This gun is so versatile. I can hunt anything from dove, geese, squirrel, deer, and even bear with a 1 1/4 ounce patched round ball slug that weighs an impressive 550 grains. I highly recommend a muzzle loading shotgun, your thank me if you ever get you one, trust me. And oh yea, I shoot a 1 3/8 ounce of # 6,7, 8, and 9 shot for my dove load.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks man! Sorry I missed this comment earlier. Hope you had a successful dove season so far! I've been trying NC so far this year a little for ducks but haven't been down there for doves yet. Hope they showed up well for you this year

[@roosterboy7357]

With a tighter constriction you get a longer shot string. It’s not as much about the pattern as it is your lead and the pellets getting there more at a time instead of a couple at a time. With a tighter construction you’re basically limiting yourself to a quarter or so of your payload. I’m sure what everyone come here for is how to lead and I would recommend about 2-3 bird lengths on a direct cross at around 20-25 yards at speed

[@DuckGunChronicles]

3 days in a row woot woot! Good video bro!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jordan! Turning on the content big time now!

[@stacybates9322]

Been waiting for dove season for a long time

[@HokeOutdoors]

Me as well! 10 days until ours opens here in VA

[@stoegerstewie8351]

@@HokeOutdoors same here in Iowa.

[@Cdubp01]

I prefer using two hands clamped together-blowing air between my two thumbs into the chamber my hands formed. I’ve found it sounds closest to dove vs whistling. And yes-I believe calling really does work

[@HokeOutdoors]

I've never tried that technique but I'll have to give it a shot. Calling definitely works, especially if there aren't a bunch of people at the area you're hunting

[@assil110]

Excellent Video ! Indeed, when I use a combination of Chokes 3 and 5 (double barrel gun), I do very well with a success rate of almost 50% with pretty long shots. Yet, when I change to 2 and 4, the rate dramatically drops to 20%. I thought that there was a problem with my choke tubes :) :) However, I prefer shooting doves when they fly above me. It is true that the lead changes significantly as the bird gets closer to you but I got used to it.

[@Srog822]

Thanks for the tips! Stoked for the opener here in a week

[@johnlaudenslager706]

Smartest hunt tips I've ever heard.

[@jackgandy3296]

Good vid bro hope u have a good season

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks bud! You too!

[@justinferguson5451]

Something else I experienced is using open restriction chokes early morning to noon cause they fly lower, then afternoon to sun down use tighter restrictions chokes cause they fly higher

[@HokeOutdoors]

That's a good tip, I've seen the same thing as well

[@mudduck6182]

Great tips👍can't wait for the dove video's

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! Should be one up on Tuesday morning if everything goes to plan

[@isaiahpostell7731]

Well done man

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks much!

[@isaiahpostell7731]

very educational, makes so much since and helped! got so many more dove the next morning@@HokeOutdoors

[@fishnmaster421]

A other whistle call you can do when they’re trying to land when you need them to keep going. Is a sound they make when they take off into flight. If they’re about to land and they hear one take off, they will change their mind and abort the landing thus giving you the shot. This works if they’re flying low and fast because they’re panicky too from shots. The whistle is all the same note. Fast beat. Wuwuwuwuwuw. High low high low high low high low whistle as fast as you can. When a bird leaves out from sitting, he is buffing air with every flap, and he will make that sound when he flys off. Listen to one fly off and you’ll hear the wuwuwuwuw sound he makes. Just replicate that whistle when a batch comes in trying to land and you want them to abort the landing and take back to the air

[@HokeOutdoors]

I appreciate the tip and will definitely have to try it out! I’ve noticed that sound before but never thought about replicating it

[@fishnmaster421]

Hoke Outdoors it also works if they’re low and fast, give the whistle snd they’ll slow down and go straight upward sometimes. They will try to follow the lifting trajectory of the bird they hear lift off.

[@blueyed_ninja_]

Good tips. Drop the hat trick is a great suggestion. Thanks for posting! 🕊🔫

[@Livetheoutdoors3]

Good tips I will defently use them.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks brother! Hope they help you bag a few more

[@dustinburris8739]

With power lines you just need to pay attention and not shoot towards the lines.

[@carsonchavis7821]

You ain't ever seen me dove hunt I shoot more power lines than dove

[@roosterboy7357]

Always shoo them off first

[@rgvoutdoors5186]

Cant wait for the first I'm practicing on skeets

[@HokeOutdoors]

Good luck out there man. That practice will definitely benefit you in the field

[@jax6119]

Same brother

[@devincrenshaw3802]

Skeets are so much easier

[@rgvoutdoors5186]

Just went out it was slow but I got 1

[@jax6119]

Devin Crenshaw yes lol

[@jamiegrady9334]

Great tips Thomas!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thanks Jamie!

[@ntboookechuku2490]

Thank you very much you gave some great pointers...

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed!

[@stevenrega9109]

Love those right over shots just love them

[@HokeOutdoors]

Once you get them down they’re pretty consistent

[@theamazingempiricist]

Thanks man, got limits today going with the improved cylinder

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad to hear it worked for you! What state are you hunting out of?

[@theamazingempiricist]

@@HokeOutdoors arizona

[@matthewjaynes9973]

Cant wait untill the morning

[@HokeOutdoors]

Good luck. I’ll be chasing geese

[@matthewjaynes9973]

@@HokeOutdoors good luck to

[@troyonstott7536]

Nice tips man

[@stoegerstewie8351]

Man cant wait for Sep 1.....this will be my first time hunting ever. And I will be solo....any tips hunting in wildlife management area ?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Good luck out there on the 1st! I’ll be targeting geese till ours open on the 5th. My main advice for WMAs is to get there early the fields fill up quick and to pick a corner spot or one by a dead try as those are typically hot spots

[@joecardona4033]

Be aware of other hunters around you. Make sure the window you're shooting isn't within the same direction and another hunter or hunters. Shoot one shell at a time. It'll cause you to conserve ammunition and also get you shooting with confidence.

[@pan_bev_nice5960]

Thank you, Oldtimer.

[@bracoop2]

Dude… I’ve just been walking out the front door and shooting one or two doves a day. Did this and bagged 13 doves in about 4 hours.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Heck yeah, love to hear it! Hope you have a great dove season!

[@jacksonleggett9085]

Great video. Thanks for the Helpful tips

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed

[@traviscochran6280]

Thanks! That helps a lot. I was just kind of wandering the edge of the field hoping I would jump them up like pheasants or quail. Sounds a lot like duck hunting. Do I need a blind and a lot of decoys like for ducks and geese?

[@HokeOutdoors]

You don’t need a blind or many decoys. As someone just getting into it is recommend getting a mojo decoy to start. Doves are pretty dumb so no blind needed but sitting under/near a tree line can help

[@traviscochran6280]

@@HokeOutdoors Thanks for the advice! I have been using quail loads in my 20 ga with improved cyl and cylinder choke tubes. I also am thinking of using a .410 and putting in similar chokes in the barrels.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yeah I'd recommend sticking with the IC, thats the go to dove choke. I've shot a few doves with a .410, it's challenging but fun

[@stevenrega9109]

If you're in a state where you have to use steel shot drop down to a cylinder bore.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Definitely a good tip

[@country_boy21]

Love my voodoo mojo. One bad thing about them on public land the doves trying to land right on top of it. Cuz you can't be shooting that low lol. And I have a dove call Primos I've seen doves come right to that thing within 10 seconds lol

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yeah I feel naked on a dove hunt without mine. There certainly do try to land right on top of them. I've almost shot mine a couple times.

[@JaxsonHash]

I’m watching this while I am dove hunting

[@cactusropes_1555]

Very helpful but word of advice don’t shoot towards power lines if game warden see that it’s a fat ticket bud

[@HokeOutdoors]

Not in VA, we've been checked before when hunting right under/beside powerlines, they don't care here

[@alecedmonson4441]

Cactus Ropes_15 yeah you shoot the power line into and we got to come fix it it’s an even more hefty fine lol

[@John-uj9zy]

You will want a mod choke once you get to where you can make 50-60 yard shots. IC is fine out to 40. I've had too many breast feathers come off with open chokes; even with #8 shot. It is one of the few things that pisses me off while hunting. Doves have one of the smallest vitas of any game. IC is great for pigeons. IMO cylinder chokes are really only good for rabbits, woodcocks and sometimes grouse. Id rather miss than wing a bird. Next thing you know it goes and lands 100 yards away in some tall grass or thick tree line. Good luck finding most of them without a dog.

[@alekseyy9277]

Very good tips!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@doitoutdoors9481]

The raised decoy are the best

[@l.o.r410]

I can’t wait to start hunting myself. Never dove hunt before so I’m here taking notes. I do got a question though, I see this gun I want. It’s the escort youth semi auto shotgun. Have you by any chance seen it or shot it before? I’m not really tall so I’m thinking a small gun will help me more.

[@alecedmonson4441]

L . O . R small gun will swing faster for sure

[@l.o.r410]

Alec Edmonson Does it matter on the barrel length?

[@kurtsutton1384]

If i use my over/ under would the improved cylinder choke help my game as well?

[@HokeOutdoors]

I've never used an O/U before but I would think so. I know a lot of guys who use them have one tight choke and one open choke

[@kurtsutton1384]

@@HokeOutdoors thanks ill try to find something

[@RyanMOutdoors]

Thanks for the tips!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Hope they come in handy this season!

[@RyanMOutdoors]

@@HokeOutdoors just gotta find time to get out. Hopefully Sunday I can get some Nebraska doves and film it.

[@Jmoney250r]

What all do you need to hunt public dove fields? Do you have to call and say you’ll be there or have permission? I don’t have any where to hunt and been seeing stuff about public dove fields not too far from me

[@HokeOutdoors]

Just depends on the state and field. Typically they’re just first come first serve from my experience

[@HokeOutdoors]

Best bet to find out about a particular field would be to call your local DNR or game warden and ask them

[@preston2899]

I use a modified choke because its built into my 870 shot gun

[@HokeOutdoors]

Modified is still a very viable choke for dove hunting. Just gotta on your game a little more with your shooting

[@khawarjillani7697]

Recommended chokes for over n under shotgun?

[@RichardStith-th8ly]

good info . heres 1 for you / repair your fence

[@Rhett_Kierbow]

tomorrow is opening day good luck

[@geraldoutdoors4727]

I shot a dove this morning and it dropped 6 yards in front of me and I treyed shooting his friend and turned around and a chicken hawk stole that bird

[@HokeOutdoors]

Damn that’s crazy, I’ve never had anything steal one of my doves luckily

[@geraldoutdoors4727]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited ya it was scary it was right at daylight

[@sarahweez13]

I’ve been told I get up to shoot too early. Is there a specific time to get up ?

[@RYAN-eu4jg]

Wait for them to dive to the ground. It wont be able to flap fast enough to just fly off...

[@RYAN-eu4jg]

Leaves you with a two or three second window.

[@HokeOutdoors]

I like to let them get within 20-30 yards before I stand up. That way you can get 2-3 good shots before they're out of range

[@brooklynncalhoun9504]

i’ve been hunting, and dove hunting since i was abt 4 but i’ve never been without my brother, dad, or mom this weekend me and my bsf are going dove hunting alone both for our first time and we’re nervous that the one time we go alone we’re gonna mess up 💀

[@HokeOutdoors]

Feel free to message me on instagram @vaoutdoorsunlimited if you have any questions. Just don't shoot low birds if you're in a crowded area. Beside that and general firearm safety there isn't much you can do wrong. A couple mojos and a cooler with cold drinks always helps

[@fishing7572]

I live in chesapeake and go hunt chickahominy and big woods but there's never any crows or doves maybe hunting wrong time?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yeah, for doves try in early September, for crows anytime of year should be good though

[@edstimator1]

excellent advice!

[@HokeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@NanceLvr]

Man this video got me sooo Hardt for September

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad to hear it

[@chrisswildlife7166]

What do you do with them, do you cook them?

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yes, always. In nearly every state (or maybe all of them) it is a crime (wanton waste) to kill a game animal and not eat it. I make poppers out of most my dove breasts. They consist of 1/2 a pepper filled with cream cheese and topped with a dove breast and all wrapped in bacon. Delicious.

[@chrisswildlife7166]

@@HokeOutdoors mmm, actually sounds quite good. Thanks for the vid

[@loganwear8461]

Good tips but can't use lead shot in texas

[@HokeOutdoors]

Is it just public that you can't use it or private too?

[@cameronb8834]

Burnt wheat is another thing to look out 4

[@HokeOutdoors]

Yep. I've heard of some really good hunts coming from burnt wheat. We did it at my friends farm a while back but the doves hardly used it

[@titantalbot2984]

What if you hit the power line

[@HokeOutdoors]

Try not to. If birds land on it I try to jump them.

[@abdulghaffarkhan1077]

Thank you best tips

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad they were helpful!

[@toga1022]

Two comments: first you shot at the power line, not a good idea; second your "mouth" call is okay, but use an actual call for fantastic results (Faulks or Primos are both great).

[@saltcreekammo]

Switched to a Trulock IC choke and immediately started killing more birds.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Love to hear it! What kind of shot were you using with it?

[@saltcreekammo]

@@HokeOutdoors I don't know... I handloaded a 5 gallon bucket of dove loads a long time ago that I've been dipping into every year. I know there's #7.5 and #8, a mixture of hulls and wad combos in there... it all works 😅.

[@DaddyDaGuido]

Thank you man much appreciated

[@MParkerTTU]

I’ve lost a lot of hats doing that. 😂

[@sarahsipkens8832]

Ok that helps

[@HokeOutdoors]

Glad to hear it!

[@gboutdoors5198]

I have a pellet gun sooo I only like get 1

[@bdogsvids3650]

Couple more hours left Who here is from Mississippi

[@HokeOutdoors]

Can y'all hunt doves in the morning in MS?

[@bdogsvids3650]

No we have to wait till 2 o'clock

[@bdogsvids3650]

Where are you from

[@HokeOutdoors]

Virginia

[@sgtslaughter3956]

Pretty sure your not supposed to hunt by power lines!!

[@Willdeas04]

Theres a public land with lines going through it near me so i guess u can

[@HokeOutdoors]

You can 100% hunt near power lines. Just don't actually shoot the line itself

[@randyharris9357]

Never heard a dove whistle

[@HokeOutdoors]

Really? What state are you in?

[@bucknerrr]

Lost a bird for about 15 min I knew exactly where it was and ended up being underneath my hat I threw down

[@HokeOutdoors]

Haha I've never had that one happen. Glad you were able to find it eventually

[@ryanhickey6812]

Terrible advice for the power line ... you literally shot at the power line lol

[@richards.7770]

Ryan Hickey I agree, you NEVER shoot at power lines!

[@Duck_killa]

I always shot em on power lines nothing happens

[@barnrat9774]

@@Duck_killa same

[@jamesedmonds5294]

@@Duck_killa same

[@5khop]

Birdshot won’t harm power lines 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jackgandy3296]

First

[@guitjolin]

Don't shoot towards power lines!!!!

[@speedygonzalesracing]

Thought this was going to be a decent video until a minute in he shows himself blasting power lines lol. “Not my problem” kind of move right there not cool

[@TheGunman69]

Wanna shoot more doves ? - Take a trip to Cordoba, Argentina..

[@HokeOutdoors]

Lol that’s one way to do it. I think I’d get tired of it after about 30 minutes down there

[@JaxsonHash]

Just kidding

[@markmurphy4399]

You lost me at Mojo....

[@HokeOutdoors]

Why??

[@markmurphy4399]

Virginia Outdoors Unlimited - 50 years of Dove hunting, I’ve never needed to resort to decoys. Decoys are for waterfowl...

[@chase7106]

@@markmurphy4399 decoys are used for a lot of things...turkey hunting, deer hunting at times, and they do help when dove hunting as well. I don't use them all the time but they definitely help.

[@cooperrosa]

For God’s sake what’s wrong with you people. Where are your moral values, ethics, compassion, empathy, ethics and humanity? It’s mind blowing why on Earth would anyone would want to KILL innocent beings, just to fulfil your crippled, selfish ego and outdated habits.

[@HokeOutdoors]

Is it the eating meat or the hunting that you have an issue with?