When it comes to dove hunting, choosing the right clothing colors and camouflage patterns is crucial for staying concealed and having a successful hunt. Doves have incredibly sharp eyesight and will flare away at even the slightest bit of unnatural movement or color.
Avoid White and Bright Colors
The first rule when choosing clothing for dove hunting is to avoid wearing anything white or brightly colored. White stands out starkly against most outdoor backgrounds and will make you stick out like a sore thumb. Bright colors like red, yellow, or orange are also very conspicuous and will likely spook birds.
Doves see color differently than humans do. Their eyes detect ultraviolet light, allowing them to more easily distinguish between colors. This makes them especially sensitive to bright, vivid hues in the blue, green, and purple spectrum.
Why You Should Avoid White
There are a few reasons why white is a particularly bad color for dove hunting:
- White apparel stands out against most natural backdrops like fields, forests, and brush that are more earth-toned.
- White reflects a lot of light that will shine and attract a dove’s acute vision.
- Even the smallest bit of white like a logo or tag will be easily spotted by doves.
Choose clothing with no white and avoid any shiny buckles or buttons that can glint in sunlight and scare away birds.
Best Camouflage Patterns
Since completely solid neutral colors can still look a bit unnatural in the outdoors, your best bet is to wear camouflage clothing. The key is choosing a camo pattern that mimics the terrain and foliage patterns where you’ll be hunting.
Here are some of the best camouflage patterns to wear for dove hunting:
Woodland Camo
Woodland camo features dark browns, greens, and blacks designed to blend into forested environments. It works well when dove hunting in wooded fields or tree line edges that have thick vegetation.
Wheat/Grassland Camo
Wheat or grassland camo uses tan, faded yellow, and light brown hues to disappear into open fields and dry grasslands where doves may gather. This is the best choice for hunting over cut wheat or hay fields.
Desert Camo
Desert camo incorporates sandy brown, grays, and sage hues that blend into arid, dusty landscapes. Use this camo pattern when hunting dry, open environments.
Use a Face Mask and Gloves
Even when wearing properly camouflaged clothing, your exposed face and hands can still stand out and cause doves to flare. Using a face mask and gloves that match your camo pattern is highly recommended.
A veil or mesh face mask will conceal the pale skin of your face. Opt for a lightweight, breathable material that won’t overheat your face on warm days. You can even get custom camo face masks made with the exact camo print as your hunting clothes.
Choose lightweight camo gloves or fingerless gloves to hide the movement of your hands as you handle your firearm. Go with a tight fit that won’t impede your dexterity when shooting.
Conceal Exposed Skin
Make sure to cover up any exposed skin that could potentially stand out. Use ankle bands or boots to cover your ankles if wearing short camo pants. Wear a camo hat or face mask to hide a pale forehead or neck.
You can apply camouflage face paint on any exposed skin that may be visible to better blend in with terrain. Use matte neutral brown, green, or tan paints that won’t reflect light.
Don’t Move
The most surefire way to go undetected is to remain utterly still once you’ve situated yourself in your hunting spot. Movement will draw a dove’s gaze quicker than any color ever could.
When doves approach, stay motionless like a statue no matter how excited you get. Wait until the birds are within easy shotgun range before raising your weapon to shoot.
Sit Against Structures and Objects
Rather than standing upright in the middle of a field, position yourself sitting with your back against a bush, tree, fence post, bale of hay, or other object. This will break up your silhouette and prevent you from standing out.
Pick Overcast Days
Bright, sunny days cause your body and clothes to cast shadows and create definition that makes you more visible. Hunting on cloudy, overcast days diffuses direct sunlight and allows you to blend in more easily.
Be Mindful of Scent and Noise
Not only can doves see you clearly, but they can hear and smell unnatural noises and odors. Avoid using colognes, scented products, and tobacco that give off strong odors. Remain quiet when communicating with hunting partners.
Natural vs. Synthetic Clothing
Natural fabrics like cotton and wool blend in better than synthetic fabrics like polyester that can appear shiny. Stay away from “swishy” pant fabrics that make noise as you walk.
Choose soft, muted fabrics without any bold logos or embellishments. Break up your outline by wearing leafy camo hats, face nets, and gloves.
Don’t Wash Camo in Bright Detergents
Laundry detergents that contain fluorescent whitening agents can make camo fabrics appear brighter under sunlight. Use dye-free, fragrance-free detergents when washing camo to retain its natural, matte coloration.
Check Local Regulations
Many states and hunting areas require blaze orange or pink be worn for safety purposes during dove season. Be sure to adhere to any mandated color restrictions that override camouflage recommendations.
Top Hunting Colors to Avoid
Here is a summary of the colors you’ll want to steer clear of when dressing for a day of dove hunting:
Colors to Avoid |
---|
White |
Red |
Orange |
Yellow |
Blue |
Purple |
Black |
Best Camo Patterns for Dove Hunting
Here are the top recommended camouflage patterns to wear:
Camo Pattern | Best Use |
---|---|
Grassland/Wheat | Open fields, dry grasslands |
Woodland | Forested fields, tree lines |
Desert | Arid, dusty terrain |
Mesh/Leafy | Concealing face and hands |
Conclusion
Choosing the right camouflage and colors when dove hunting is critical for keeping concealed from their sharp eyesight. Avoid white and bright colors that stand out. Stick to camo in earthy hues that match the field environment. Cover up exposed skin and remain utterly still when birds are approaching. Dove hunting in the right colors and camo pattern will give you the greatest advantage and odds for success.