Texas dove season is almost here, and before the first flights start crossing sunflower fields, pastures and stock tanks, it’s time to get your gear in order.
Dove hunting doesn’t require the mountain of equipment associated with some other types of hunting, and that simplicity is part of its appeal. But anyone who has spent a September afternoon in a Texas dove field knows there are a handful of items you definitely don’t want to leave back at the truck.
A good vest keeps those essentials organized and within reach. Here’s a checklist of what should be in your dove vest before you hit the field.
Shells (Plenty of Them)
Let’s start with the obvious.
Doves have a remarkable ability to humble even experienced shotgun shooters. Make sure you have plenty of appropriate dove loads and keep them where you can reach them quickly.
This is one area where a purpose-built vest really shines. The Ultimate Bird Vest from Dove Gear of Rockport, Texas, provides easily accessible shell storage without forcing you to dig through a bag every time the action heats up.
And if opening day goes the way it does for a lot of us, keeping an extra box or two back at the truck probably isn’t a bad idea.
License and Legal Essentials
Make sure your Texas hunting license and required migratory bird endorsements and certifications are current before heading afield.
It’s also worth reviewing the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department dove regulations, including season dates for the zone you’re hunting, daily bag limits and possession requirements.
Keep your identification and any necessary documentation protected but readily available.
Eye and Ear Protection
Dove hunting can involve a lot of shooting, sometimes with several hunters positioned around the same field.
Hearing protection should be standard equipment. Electronic hearing protection is increasingly popular because it allows hunters to communicate while still providing protection from gunfire, but even a pair of inexpensive foam earplugs is better than nothing.
Shooting glasses are another smart addition. Besides helping protect your eyes while shooting, they can shield them from dust, brush and other debris encountered in the field.
Water Is Essential
September heat in Texas is no joke.
Carry water in the field and keep additional water back at your vehicle. If you’re hunting with a dog, bring plenty for it as well.
A few electrolyte packets take up virtually no space and can be useful during long, hot hunts. Staying hydrated is far more important than squeezing another piece of unnecessary gear into your vest.
The Little Stuff That Matters
A few small items can solve a lot of problems in the field.
Pack insect repellent, sunscreen and a small first-aid kit. A pocketknife or multitool is always useful, and a compact flashlight or headlamp belongs in the vest if you’re planning an evening hunt.
Your phone should be fully charged before leaving the truck. For longer hunts or remote locations, a small portable battery pack provides some additional insurance.
None of these items takes up much room, but you’ll be glad you have them when you need them.
Have a Place for Your Birds
A dove vest also needs to do the job its name implies—carry birds.
The Dove Gear Ultimate Bird Vest was designed with wingshooters in mind, combining shell storage, a game bag and space for the equipment hunters actually use. That can be especially valuable on those Texas hunts where you might be walking some distance from the truck or changing positions as birds shift their flight patterns.
Have a cooler with plenty of ice waiting at the vehicle so harvested birds can be properly handled in the September heat.
Load It Before Opening Day
Don’t wait until you arrive at the field to organize everything.
Load your vest at home, put it on and make sure the items you use most are easy to reach. You may discover you’re carrying too much—or that something important is missing.
A Texas dove hunt should be simple: shotgun, shells, a good place to sit and birds flying overhead. A properly loaded vest just makes everything a little easier.
And while you’re getting ready for dove season, Texas Fish & Game Magazine and Dove Gear want to hear from Texas dove hunters. We’re conducting a survey to learn more about who hunts doves in Texas, how they hunt and what they want from the future of the sport.
Hunters who complete the survey and provide their email address can enter a drawing for three $100 Visa gift cards sponsored by Dove Gear, LLC.
Click here to take the Texas dove hunting survey and enter the drawing.