Shotguns for Dove Hunting: Things to Consider

Dove hunting is one of the most popular small-game pursuits in North Carolina, and having the right shotgun can make all the difference in your success and enjoyment. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned hunter, choosing the best dove hunting shotgun requires careful consideration of several factors.

Understanding the NC Dove Hunting Season

First and foremost, understanding the NC dove hunting season is crucial not just for legality but for maximizing your success in the field. North Carolina offers two mourning dove seasons each year:

Here are some notes direct from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on the 25-26 season:

• The daily bag limit for Northern pintail has been increased from 1 bird to 3 birds.
• The September teal season has been shortened from a 16-day season to a 9-day season.
• The first Youth and Veterans/Military waterfowl day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 between the second and third waterfowl season splits.
• The second Youth and Veterans/Military day will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, following the closing of the general duck season.
• The definition of “youth” has been updated to include only hunters ages 15 or younger.

Exact dates vary by county and are published annually by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Always check the official NCWRC website before heading out to ensure you’re compliant with local regulations.

Bag Limits and Daily Rules

• The daily bag limit for mourning doves in NC is usually 15 birds per hunter.
• Possession limits allow hunters to carry up to 45 birds at any one time.
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, giving you a window to plan your hunt strategically.

Conservation and Responsible NC Dove Hunting

Dove hunting is sustainable when done responsibly. Migratory bird regulations are in place to maintain healthy populations year after year. Hunters should:

• Use non-toxic shot to protect wildlife and water sources.
• Respect private property and secure permission before hunting.
• Follow all NCWRC guidelines for reporting harvests and observing limits.

Optimal Timing and Weather Considerations

Doves are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, often feeding in fields of sunflowers, milo, or other seeds. Hunting just after sunrise or before sunset gives you the best opportunity to see fast-flying flocks. Weather also affects dove activity—windy conditions may keep birds low, while clear, calm mornings often bring more action.

By knowing the season, bag limits, and dove behavior, hunters can make smarter decisions in the field and enjoy a safe, ethical, and successful dove hunting in NC experience.

Dove Hunting Shotgun Essentials: Features That Make a Difference

1. Gauge Your Power

   12-gauge shotguns are versatile and pack a punch, while 20-gauge options are lighter on recoil—perfect for younger hunters or long days in the field.

2. Choke It Right

   Fast doves need a tight shot pattern. A modified or improved cylinder choke will boost your accuracy and help you hit your target every time.

3. Barrel Length for Precision

   Longer barrels (26–30 inches) help with balance and tracking birds in flight. Shorter barrels are easier to carry but may reduce accuracy at distance.

4. Comfort Is Key

   You’ll be on your feet a lot. Lightweight synthetic stocks reduce fatigue, while classic wood stocks give a solid, balanced feel.

5. Ammo That Wins

   Small shot sizes like #7.5, #8, or #9 give you plenty of pellets for clean hits without destroying the meat.

Top Shotgun Styles for Dove Hunters in NC

• Over/Under Shotguns: Perfect for quick follow-ups and smooth handling.
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Rapid fire at your fingertips (check magazine rules).
• Pump-Action Shotguns: Reliable, versatile, and beginner-friendly.

Pro Tips for Bagging More Doves

• Scout fields with sunflowers or milo—doves can’t resist them.
• Hunt early morning or late afternoon when doves are most active.
• Practice with clay targets to sharpen your aim.

Popular Shotgun Styles for Dove Hunting in NC

• Over/Under Shotguns: Excellent for quick follow-up shots and superior balance.
• Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Great for rapid firing, but check state regulations for magazine capacity.
• Pump-Action Shotguns: Reliable and versatile, perfect for beginners or hunters on a budget.

Tips for a Successful North Carolina Dove Hunt

A good shotgun is only half the equation—strategy and preparation play just as big a role in your success. Here are some proven tips tailored to dove hunting in NC that will help you make the most of the season.

1. Scout Smart, Hunt Smarter

Doves are creatures of habit, returning to the same food sources and flight paths day after day. Before opening day, scout agricultural fields and clearings for food sources such as sunflowers, millet, corn, or milo. Birds will also gather near freshly cut fields, where leftover grain provides easy feeding opportunities. If you can identify these areas early, you’ll know exactly where to set up when the season starts.

2. Time Your Hunts with Bird Behavior

The best hunting windows are early morning after sunrise and late afternoon before sunset, when doves are leaving or returning to feeding and watering sites. Midday hunts can still be productive, but activity slows considerably in the heat of the day. Pay attention to the weather too—calm, clear mornings usually bring more flight activity than windy or rainy conditions.

3. Practice with Purpose

Doves are some of the fastest and most erratic flyers in North America, often reaching speeds of up to 55 mph. To prepare, sharpen your skills at a sporting clays or skeet range, which mimics the speed and angles of real birds. Practicing crossing and incoming shots will make your swing smoother and your accuracy higher when the season begins.

4. Set Up for Success

Where you position yourself matters. Doves prefer open fields but often fly along edges, tree lines, and fencerows. Setting up along these natural travel corridors can increase your shot opportunities. If hunting with a group, spread out safely to cover more airspace while keeping enough distance between hunters.

5. Blend In and Stay Ready

Doves have sharp eyesight. Wear neutral or camouflaged clothing to break up your outline and avoid sudden movements until you’re ready to mount your shotgun. Always keep your gun at a comfortable ready position—doves don’t give much warning before they appear in range.

6. Stay Ethical and Follow the Rules

North Carolina’s bag limit is generally 15 doves per day with a possession limit of 45, so pace yourself and know when to stop shooting. Be mindful of other hunters in the field, respect property boundaries, and retrieve all downed birds quickly to avoid waste.

Get Ready for NC Dove Hunting Season with Neuse Sport Shop

Finding the best dove hunting shotgun for your style, comfort, and needs will enhance your hunting experience. With the right combination of gauge, choke, and barrel length, you’ll be well-prepared for dove hunting in NC this season.

Stop by Neuse Sport Shop to explore our selection of shotguns, ammunition, and hunting gear to get ready for your next adventure.