Essential Clothing for Dove Hunting

Dove hunting is a thrilling outdoor activity in the United States. It combines skillful shooting with social fun. Whether you’re new or experienced, the right dove hunting gear makes a big difference. This includes the best upland hunting attire and essential apparel for comfort, protection, and movement.

With dove hunting starting in late August or early September, it’s key to have quality clothing. Kansas is a top spot for dove hunting, ranking high in dove harvest. The state is also part of a nationwide study on mourning dove banding. Eurasian collared-doves and white-winged doves are common in Kansas, making it vital to know the best dove hunting gear.

Since 1998, HIP certification has been a must for dove hunters. It helps manage migratory game birds better. Hunters pay a small fee for this permit, which doesn’t go to wildlife agencies. This approach is key for future hunting and sustainable wildlife management.

Fast-moving doves can fly up to 60 mph, making the right gear crucial. The right clothing keeps you safe from the weather, comfy for long days, and quick to react. Items like UPF-protected shirts, insect-repellent pants, adaptable headgear, and quality boots are essential.

Contents

Key Takeaways

Dove hunting is both a social event and a thrilling outdoor activity.
Kansas ranks among the top five states for dove harvest in the U.S.
Key dove hunting gear includes UPF-protected shirts, insect-repellent pants, and weather-appropriate headgear.
HIP certification is crucial for hunting migratory game birds and supports wildlife management.
Proper hunting apparel ensures comfort, protection, and readiness for the fast-paced action of dove hunting.

Introduction to Dove Hunting Attire

Dove hunting needs the right clothes for protection and comfort. Dove hunting apparel is both functional and stylish. It helps you blend in and stay ready for the outdoors.

Choosing clothes with sun protection and cooling features is key. The SolAir shirt offers 50+ UPF protection and keeps you cool. It also has Polygiene treatments to reduce odors, keeping you fresh.

The SolAir Lightweight Pants are great for the bottom half. They have Insect Shield technology to keep bugs away. This is important in open fields where bugs can be a problem.

Good hunting boots are also crucial. Look for boots that are waterproof, breathable, and strong. They keep your feet dry and comfy, which is key for a good hunt.

Getting ready for dove hunting is about more than clothes. You’ll also need a shotgun, shells, safety gear, and more. Having the right gear makes the hunt better and more enjoyable.

Doves are most active in the morning and evening. So, picking the right clothes and gear is important for these times.

Here’s a quick list of must-haves for your dove hunting wardrobe:

Item	Description
Hats	Well-ventilated hats to protect from the sun and blend with surroundings.
Shirts	Long-sleeved camo shirts with odor-fighting technology and sun protection.
Pants	Lightweight pants with Insect Shield technology.
Boots	Waterproof and breathable boots for all-terrain comfort.
Accessories	Shotgun, shotgun shells, safety gear, hearing and eye protection, dove belt, chair or hunting stool, water, bug spray.

Knowing what to wear for dove hunting is key to a successful and fun trip. From the basics to extra gear, it all matters.

Choosing the Right Dove Hunting Shirt

As dove season starts in early September in South Carolina, hunters will face hot weather. It’s crucial to wear breathable hunting shirts to stay cool. These shirts help reduce the heat and keep you comfortable during the hunt. Also, having the right sun protection is key for a safe and fun hunt.

Long Sleeve Shirts

Long sleeve shirts are a top choice for dove hunting. They should have moisture-wicking and cooling tech. FORLOH SolAir uses brrr fabric and 50+ UPF for great sun protection and cooling. These breathable hunting shirts mix comfort with functionality in the heat.

breathable hunting shirts

Camouflage Patterns

Choosing the right camouflage hunting gear is vital for a successful hunt. Consider patterns like Exposed or Deep Cover for your terrain. These patterns help hide you from doves. Plus, shirts with Polygiene’s Biostatic and Odor Crunch tech stay fresh for many hunts without washing.

Wearing the right breathable hunting shirts with sun protection and camouflage hunting gear boosts your hunting experience. These tips ensure you stay comfortable and successful during dove season.

Optimal Dove Hunting Pants

Choosing the right pants for dove hunting is key for comfort and protection. Protective hunting pants keep you comfy and safe from the elements. They’re a must-have for long days in the field.

Insect Shield Technology

Insect Shield technology is a big deal for hunters in bug-heavy areas. The SolAir Lightweight Pants use this tech to fight off mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks. They don’t need pre-treatment, so you get lasting bug protection.

This means you can focus on hunting without bug bites ruining your day. Insect Shield clothing in outdoor gear is a game-changer.

protective hunting pants

Lightweight Materials

Lightweight pants are also a must for hunters. The SITKA Men’s Lightweight Hunting Performance Traverse Pant is a great example. It’s breathable and tough, keeping you comfy on long hunts.

These pants have blousing bands for extra comfort and protection. They’re made with materials that help you stay cool and dry. This makes them perfect for hunting in any weather.

Headgear for All Weather Conditions

Duck hunting requires being ready for any weather. Hunters need versatile headgear that protects and keeps them comfortable. Headgear for hunting comes in different materials and designs for various needs. This ensures hunters are ready for any weather.

headgear for hunting

Beanies for Cool Mornings

The early hours can be very cold. A softshell beanie keeps you warm. There are six main types of warm headgear, including stocking caps and the ActionHeat 5V Battery Heated Fleece Balaclava. These items are great for keeping warm in the cold.

They also have moisture-wicking and wind protection. This makes beanies perfect for cool mornings while hunting.

Caps for Sunny Days

As the sun gets higher, a sun protection hat is key. Camo Mesh caps with a wide brim help hide your face and eyes from the sun. Many hunters like caps with adjustable parts, like fold-down earflaps, for changing weather.

These outdoor headwear options protect from the sun and improve hunting. They make hunting more comfortable and effective by keeping you visible and comfortable.

Sales of hunting masks and other headgear go up during hunting season. Features like moisture-wicking and adjustable parts are popular. Customers like these features for their comfort and protection during hunts.

Quality Hunting Boots

Investing in quality hunting boots can make a big difference. Even with minimal walking, the rough terrain demands boots that are tough. Look for boots with Gore-tex to keep your feet dry and comfy.

durable hunting boots

Features to Look For

When picking hunting boots, think about these key features:

Durability: Boots made with high-quality leather last longer.
Waterproofing: Gore-tex boots keep your feet dry.
Breathability: Gore-tex boots also let your feet breathe, preventing moisture build-up.
Proper Maintenance: Using products like Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP can make your boots last longer.

Recommended Brands

Here are some top brands known for their performance and comfort:

Weatherby: Weatherby boots are durable and comfy, perfect for any hunter.
Irish Setter: These boots are known for their strong build and great foot protection, ideal for tough terrains.
Twisted X: The Twisted X 17″ Men’s Snake Boots are a hit at Gordy & Sons this season, offering great protection against snake bites.

Choosing the right hunting boots with the right features will make your hunting better. They provide reliable protection and comfort all season.

Benefits of Layering

The hunting layering system has changed how hunters dress, making them more comfortable and adaptable. It’s different from the old days when hunters wore thick wool that was heavy and hard to move in. Now, with climate adaptive hunting clothing, hunters can stay warm and move easily.

A good hunting layering system has three main parts: base layers, insulation, and outer shells. With the right climate adaptive hunting clothing, hunters only need 4-5 pieces to cover everything. Base layers are key, often made of merino wool or synthetic materials. Merino wool keeps you warm even when wet and doesn’t smell bad. Synthetic materials dry fast and last a long time.

Brands like KUIU, Sitka Gear, and First Lite offer great options for these layers. The KUIU Super Down Pro has 850-fill-power goose-down for great insulation. The Sitka Gear Core Lightweight Crew uses Polygiene to control odor. First Lite’s Merino Wool Base Layer keeps you warm all year with 95% Merino wool.

hunting layering system

The insulation layer is your main warmth layer, from light fleeces to down jackets. The Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Crew keeps you warm with its technology. The Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer has UPF 50+ sun protection and uses 100% Merino wool for insulation.

The outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and more while letting you breathe. Choosing the right outer layer is key for hunting in different places and weather. Always bring more layers than you think you’ll need. This way, your climate adaptive hunting clothing will keep you comfortable on long hunts.

Here’s a quick look at what to consider in a hunting layering system:

Layer	Material Options	Notable Brands	Special Features
Base Layer	Merino Wool, Synthetics (Polyester)	First Lite, Smartwool, Sitka Gear	Odor Control, Quick-drying, Moisture-wicking
Insulation Layer	Down, Fleece, Synthetic Insulation	KUIU, Under Armour	High Fill Power, Body Heat Retention
Outer Layer	Waterproof, Windproof Fabrics	Various high-performance brands	Breathability, Element Protection

Essential Accessories for Comfort

Dove hunting is more than just the right clothes. You also need dove hunting accessories like shooting gloves and protective glasses. These items are key for comfort and safety. When the dove season starts in Texas, usually the first weekend of September, having the right gear is crucial.

Shooting Gloves

High-quality shooting gloves are a must-have for dove hunters. They provide a great grip and protect your hands from the strain of shooting. Brands like Beretta and Under Armour offer durable options for different hunting conditions. These gloves add comfort and help keep your hands steady and safe all day.

A lightweight pair with good ventilation, like those in the dove hunting accessories guide, can improve your hunting. Make sure to pick gloves that let you move your fingers easily. This way, you can handle your Weatherby Element 20 gauge shotgun with ease.

Protective Eyewear

Protecting your eyes is very important while hunting. Protective glasses keep your eyes safe from the sun and debris. Non-mirrored lenses, such as those in Smith Optics Emerge, are great for clear vision and sun protection. These glasses help you see better and track dove movements.

Check out this guide for more on important safety gear. Many hunters like clear or yellow lenses for better contrast during dawn and dusk. These versatile lenses make your eyes comfortable and improve your hunting.

Finally, don’t forget to add ear protection like Axil GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds. This ensures you stay safe and alert during the hunt.

Clothing for Dove Hunting: Staying Cool and Comfortable

South Carolina’s dove hunting season starts in early September. Hunters need to be ready for different weather. Choosing the right clothes is key to staying cool and comfortable. We’ll look at two important parts of dove hunting clothes.

Breathable Fabrics

Choosing the right fabrics is crucial. Brands like Duck Camp offer breathable outdoor clothing that keeps hunters cool and dry. It’s important to pick lightweight camo patterns that help hunters blend in. As the day gets hotter, the need for breathable materials becomes even more important.

Moisture-Wicking Properties

Moisture-wicking properties are vital in hunting clothes. Hunters can get sweaty and uncomfortable in the field. Clothes that wick away sweat help keep hunters dry and focused. When picking hunting gear, look for items made for active and warm weather.

Fabric Type	Key Benefits
Breathable Fabrics	Maintain airflow, keep cool
Moisture-Wicking	Quick-drying, sweat evaporation
Camo Patterns	Concealment, blend into surroundings

Choosing clothes with these features helps hunters stay comfortable and hidden. This makes their dove hunting better. Remember, the right clothes are key to a great hunting experience.

Choosing the Right Colors

The color of your hunting gear can make or break a successful hunt. It’s key to pick colors that match your surroundings to avoid scaring doves. Both effective hunting camouflage and neutral-toned gear are excellent choices. Let’s look at the details.

Camouflage vs. Neutral Tones

For dove hunting, you can choose between camouflage and neutral tones. Camouflage gear, like shirts, pants, and jackets, looks like nature. It comes in patterns like mossy oak and desert camo, perfect for hiding in the wild.

Neutral-toned gear is another option for those who don’t like camouflage. Colors like olive green and brown help you stay hidden in places like cornfields and sunflowers. These are where doves often hang out.

Both camouflage and neutral-toned gear help hunters blend in. The choice between them depends on your preference and where you hunt.

Special Considerations for Female Hunters

Women are becoming a bigger part of the hunting world, with their numbers growing every year. About 21.7% of all U.S. hunters are women. They need gear that fits their needs well, blending function with style.

Women’s Fit and Style

Women’s hunting clothes focus on fit and style. They need options that fit rounder hips and thighs, and shorter arms. Brands like Prois offer versatile choices, such as the Prois Pro-Edition Pants for $152.10 at EvoOutdoors. These pants make sure women can hunt comfortably and look great.

There’s a big demand for fashionable hunting clothes for women. Women spend about $800 a year on their gear. This shows in products like the Women’s Pursuit Stealth Boots by Muck Boot Company, priced at $209. These boots, in sizes 5 to 11, offer waterproof protection and durability for hunting trips.

Functional Yet Fashionable Options

Female hunters want gear that looks good and fits well. Over the past five years, sales of women’s hunting gear have jumped by 23%. Many choose comfort and fit over brand names. For example, the Prois Competitor Shooter’s Vest, at $215.10 at EvoOutdoors, is both functional and stylish.

There’s a growing trend towards hunting packs that are tough and help women stay organized. Brands like GameGuard and Prois offer female-friendly hunting gear. These packs help women stay ready and efficient while hunting.

For more tips on choosing the right women’s gear, check out this comprehensive guide on hunting clothing.

Conclusion

Your hunting wardrobe is key to dove hunting success. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling comfortable and ready for anything. From light nylon pants to Cool32 undershirts and wide brim hats, each item is chosen for dove hunting’s unique needs.

In places like Argentina, hunters use about 7 boxes of ammo in 3-4 hours. Some might use up to 20 boxes, hitting around 250 doves. This shows how important the right gear is, not just for ammo but also for your clothes. The right attire keeps you comfortable and efficient.

Knowing about suggested tips and gear costs, like the Benelli M2 20ga shotguns and $22 per box for shells, helps plan a budget-friendly trip. Making smart choices in your clothes and planning well makes for a memorable hunt. Get ready for the thrill of the hunt, the fun with friends, and the beauty of nature. Gear up right and face whatever the field brings with confidence.

Hunter Attic