Your Dove Hunting Checklist: Are You Ready for Opening Weekend?
Dove Season is almost here, the unofficial end to Summer and start of Fall! We are so excited to get back out there and we want to share our excitement with y'all! Dove Hunting is a huge social tradition all across Alabama, from gathering with family and friends to meeting new people on an organized Dove Hunt. Doing it with a community makes it a lasting memory. Get ready for all of the pre-opening gatherings with your hunting buddies and the fun celebrations after the hunt with some good dove meat. Aim small, shoot small!
With opening weekend coming up fast, now's a good time to make sure you're actually ready for it. Nothing ruins a good hunt faster than realizing you left your shells or your stool at home, so we put together a simple checklist to help you get organized. Print it out, check it off, and you'll be ready to go.
Know Before You Go: 2026 Season Basics
Vestavia Hills falls in Alabama's North Zone. For the 2026-2027 season, that means:
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September 5: noon until sunset (afternoon only)
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September 6 – October 18: half hour before sunrise until sunset
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November 21 – November 29: half hour before sunrise until sunset
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December 12 – January 17: half hour before sunrise until sunset
Daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves combined. You'll need a valid Alabama hunting license and HIP certification before you head out. As always, double check outdooralabama.com before opening day since ADCNR can adjust dates and rules from year to year.
The Dove Hunting Checklist
Gear:
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Dove load ammunition
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Shotgun plugs
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Ammunition box
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The proper dove gun
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Gun slings and cases
A Quick Safety Reminder: The hunt can be good or bad depending on the weather, flight patterns, and how the field was prepped, but no matter what the birds are doing, gun safety comes first. Always shoot with your barrel elevated, keep your head on a swivel, and stay aware of where your fellow hunters are set up around you.
Don't Forget Your Choke: If your shotgun has a threaded barrel, make sure you've got a choke tube in before you head to the field, shooting without one can damage the threads. Improved Cylinder is the go-to for most dove shooting out to about 30 yards with 12 and 20 gauge, while longer or higher shots may call for something tighter like Light Modified or Modified. Know what choke and thread pattern your gun takes, bring a couple of options along with some choke tube grease, and give your gun a good clean and lube before opening day. A little prep now beats a seized-up choke or a gun that lets you down in the field.
Comfort & Setup:
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Dove stool / seat
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Dove vests
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Decoys
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Turtlebox speakers
Dove hunting is fun because even though you gotta stay still, unlike other hunts you don't have to stay quiet. That's why bringing a good speaker along is such a nice touch. A comfortable stool or chair matters more than people think too, since you could be sitting for hours waiting on birds, and a good seat makes all the difference between an enjoyable afternoon and a sore back.
Personal Essentials:
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Camo clothing
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Sunglasses
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Insect repellant
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Hearing & eye protection
Eye and ear protection are a must on a dove hunt. You'll spend most of the hunt scanning the sky and horizon for birds, so the right lenses matter to protect your eyes from the sun and from catching stray shot if you get peppered. Ear protection is just as important with all the shooting going on. Electronic ear protection is your best bet since it protects your hearing while still letting you hear the people around you in the field.
September in Alabama can still bring the heat, so don't overlook water. Bring more than you think you'll need and sip on it throughout the hunt, not just when you're already feeling it. If you've got any say in picking your spot, look for a little shade too. Even a tree line or a few tall bushes at your back can make a long afternoon in the field a lot more comfortable.
Don't Forget the Dog:
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Dog leashes / collars
*Don't forget to bring water for your working dog!*
Mark Your Calendar
We're hosting our Annual Dove Day Sale on August 28th and 29th, both days the store is open from 9am to 6pm. Our shipments have been rolling in and we are counting down the days until we can spend time with our friends and family in the field.
We'll be announcing specific deals as we get closer to the date, so follow us on social media or stop by the shop so you don't miss it. In the meantime, use this list to see where you stand and what you might still need before opening weekend.
Stay tuned, and we'll see you in the field.
Mark's Outdoors 1400-B Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 (205) 822-2010 • marksoutdoors.com Mon–Sat 9am–6pm • Closed Sunday