Opening Weekend Dove Hunting Checklist for North Louisiana Fields
Opening weekend of dove season fills up fast, and the hunters who show up prepared are the ones filling their straps first. This checklist covers everything to pack, check, and confirm before you head to a North Louisiana dove field on opening day.
Confirm your license and season dates first
Louisiana's North Zone dove season opens September 5, with the South Zone opening the same weekend. Hunters 18 and older need a valid Louisiana hunting license and Harvest Information Program certification before stepping into the field. Youth 17 and under can hunt without a license or HIP certification. Double check your zone dates and any WMA lottery deadlines with LDWF before opening morning, since public lease field registration usually closes days in advance.
Shotgun and ammo
Shotgun
A 12 gauge or 20 gauge covers most dove fields. Clean and function-check your shotgun before the season opener, especially if it has sat in the safe since last year. Browse our shotguns if you are due for an upgrade before opening weekend.
Shotshells
Size 7 1/2 or 8 lead covers most private-land dove hunts. If you are hunting an LDWF wildlife management area or lease field, non-toxic shot size 6 or smaller is required. Stock up on non-toxic shotshells ahead of time so you are not scrambling the morning of.
Choke tube
Improved cylinder or modified works for most dove ranges. Pattern your gun with whatever load you plan to shoot before opening day, not in the field.
Gear that fills more straps
Dove decoys
Motion decoys pull birds into range and close the distance on a shot you might otherwise miss. Our dove decoys work on fence lines, dead trees, or set up near your seat.
Hunting stool or bucket seat
Opening weekend often means hours of sitting between flights. A stool with back support beats a bucket for a full morning in the field.
Game vest or shell belt
Keep shells within reach and birds organized as you hunt. A vest with a game pouch means less time digging through pockets when birds are working.
Eyes, ears, and comfort
Hearing and eye protection
Dove hunts mean a lot of shots fired close together. Electronic muffs let you hear calls and conversation between shots while still protecting your hearing. Shooting glasses cut glare and help you track birds against a bright sky. Check our hearing and eye protection before opening morning.
Water and sun protection
Early September in Louisiana still runs hot. Bring more water than you think you need, plus sunscreen and bug spray for a morning sitting still in a field.
Camo or earth-tone clothing
Doves have sharp eyesight and get wary fast once shooting starts. Lightweight, breathable camo or muted colors help you blend into the field edge.
After the shot
Bird strap or carrier
Keep your harvest organized and off the ground while you keep hunting.
Cooler with ice
Get birds cooled down quickly once the hunt wraps, especially in early-season heat.
Knife or multitool
Useful for field dressing birds or handling small repairs on gear mid-hunt.
Opening weekend checklist at a glance
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Paperwork | Hunting license, HIP certification, WMA permit if applicable |
| Gun and ammo | Shotgun, correct shot size and material, choke tube |
| Field gear | Decoys, stool or bucket seat, game vest or shell belt |
| Safety and comfort | Hearing and eye protection, water, sunscreen, bug spray, camo |
| After the hunt | Bird strap, cooler with ice, knife or multitool |
Pick your gun before the gun makes the choice for you
Still torn between running a semi-auto or a pump on opening weekend? Our semi-auto vs. pump shotgun breakdown for Louisiana dove fields covers which action keeps up with a hot dove shoot. And if you are still weighing shot material, our steel shot vs. lead shot comparison breaks down which one to load depending on where you are hunting.
FAQ
What do I need to legally dove hunt in Louisiana?
Hunters 18 and older need a Louisiana hunting license and HIP certification. Youth 17 and under can hunt without either.
Do I need non-toxic shot for opening weekend?
Only on LDWF wildlife management areas and lease fields, where non-toxic shot size 6 or smaller is required. Lead is legal on private land.
How many shells should I bring for a dove hunt?
Most hunters average close to five shots per bird. For a 15-bird limit, a box or two of shells covers a full morning with room to spare.
Do I need a game vest for dove hunting?
It is not required, but a vest with shell loops and a game pouch keeps you organized and speeds up follow-up shots when birds are working the field.
Get squared away before opening morning
Come see us in Columbia before opening weekend for shotguns, shotshells, decoys, and everything else on this list. Stop by the shop or call us, and we will help you get set for North Zone dove season.
