As the summer light begins to soften and the first September breeze cuts through the heat, a new rhythm emerges in the American South, dove season.
It marks more than just the opening of the hunting calendar. Dove season is a tradition, a gathering, a social marker - the unofficial end of summer and the quiet ushering-in of fall. In fields across Texas, Georgia, and beyond, friends reunite, families pass down stories, and the first shots of the season ring out at sunrise.
Whether you’re heading to your local lease or gathering on public land, this is a moment worth preparing for - with the right gear, the right mindset, and the kind of respect that turns a hunt into a heritage.
Here’s how the modern gentleman gets ready.
1. Dress Light, Hunt Right
Early dove season hunts are marked by high temps and long afternoons. Lightweight, breathable layers are essential — but functionality matters too.
✔️ Non-reflective Field Shirts – keep you cool and concealed
✔️ Sturdy Canvas Caps – shield from sun without breaking tradition
✔️ Field-Ready Footwear – supportive for walking, nimble for repositioning
Look for earth tones, vented designs, and pieces that transition easily from field to tailgate.
2. Chairs, Coolers, and Comfort
Dove hunting is unique in its rhythm - part action, part waiting game. A well-packed kit includes more than just ammo:
Folding Directors’ Chairs – lightweight, collapsible, and classic
Canvas Campaign Wine Cooler – because tailgating deserves refinement
Expedition Table – keeps essentials close and elevated
This isn’t about luxury, it’s about making the most of the moment, with equipment that respects the pace of the day.
3. Glassware and Cigars: Celebrate the After
A field lunch. A celebratory pour. A quiet cigar lit after the last shot.
For many, the after is just as important as the hunt itself. It’s when the stories surface and the season begins to feel real.
3-Cigar Leather Case – built for the truck, lodge, or back pocket
Pewter Coasters & Barware – complete the ritual, even in the field
And for those ready to commit to the full setup, our After The Hunt Bundle brings all these elements together in one cohesive, buildable kit.
4. Tradition, Stewardship, and Sportsmanship
The mark of a seasoned sportsman isn’t just in the gear, it’s in the mindset.
- Know your limits
- Respect the birds and the land
- Involve the next generation
- Leave every space better than you found it
We’re proud to support organizations like the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, who work behind the scenes to protect access and preserve the legacy of hunting across the U.S.
Want to give back this season? @congressionalsportsmen is a good place to start.
5. Opening Day Starts Now
In the South, dove season isn’t just a hunt, it’s a rite of passage. It’s the first shotgun snap of fall. It’s the warm-up before the tailgates, the transition between porch drinks and lodge fires.
So whether you’re on leased land in Texas, posting up beside the pond, or joining a multi-generational family shoot, we hope you take the time to do it well.
Pack your kit with purpose. Pour with intention. Hunt with respect.