The very first time I went dove hunting I wasn’t totally sure what, if any, specific clothing I’d need. If I remember correctly, I probably assumed something with hunter orange would be required.
That’s how green I was to dove hunting.
Thankfully, I didn’t walk out the door in high-vis orange and make a fool of myself. I instead probably wore jeans and some earth-tone shirt that wouldn’t stand out all the much in a milo field.
Now, I know better and prefer to wear something the blends in a little more. And, because I live in Arizona—a certified dove hunting playground that measures up to the best of them—I try to look for garments that both protect me from the sun and won’t cook me when the temperature hits triple digits.
If you are headed to the dove fields this September, here are some hunting clothes you might want to grab. This includes apparel that might come in handy for after the hunt as well.
Shirts & Hoodies
The Huntley Short Sleeve Button-Down from Nomad comes in a few colorways that work for dove hunting. The 4-way stretch fabric, with its UPF 30+ protection, is laser perforated on the back for breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The combination of cotton (52%), polyester (40%) and spandex (8%) makes it comfortable and flexible. Best of all, the casual look works well for dove hunting as well as just kicking around town.
The shirt comes in Overland Trek, Moss, and Leafy Acorn, for those thinking of heading to the dove field, plus some additional print options for everyday wear. The MSRP is $60.00 and sizes range from Small to 3XL.
For a true camo option, Nomad Outdoor offers a long sleeve Mirage Camo 1/4 Zip and a Mirage Short Sleeve Camo Crew in Mossy Oak Bottomland. Both feature UPF 50+ synthetic fabric with full mesh back panel that allows for ventilation and moisture wicking. The 1/4 zip comes in Small to 3XL, as does the crew neck. MSRP is $65.00 for the 1/4 zip and $55.00 for the crew neck.
I’m a big fan of lightweight hoodies, especially for battling Arizona’s unrelenting sun, and Whitewater Fishing’s Lightweight Tech Hoodie Vintage Duck Camo is made for hot weather and sunshine. Yeah, I know it’s ‘technically’ for fishing but you know what happens on a hot day out of the water? You get hot, and sunburned…just like you would in a dove field on opening day.
The hoodie is made from a breathable 100% polyester stretch fabric for ultra high moisture-wicking properties. The built-in UPF 50 sun protection guards you against the harsh sun while its anti-microbial technology helps with odor control.
The Vintage Duck Camo hoodie offers an athletic fit and comfort, thanks to its flatlock seams against your skin, and comes in Small through 3XL. MSRP is $44.99.
Badlands’ Andaire lineup of shirts, pants and shorts might be tough to find, but if you can you might want to grab your size before you can’t. I contacted Badlands customer service and was informed that the Andaire line, as well as their Algus line, will be “replaced by a new hot weather system launching in 2026.”
The Andaire line is their lightest and most breathable hunting gear, but sacrifices durability. That’s a problem for most hunting but not really for dove hunting. And if you are hunting in Arizona, Texas or anywhere through the deep south, you can appreciate light and breathable.
Check out the Andaire Long Sleeve crew neck (there’s a women’s version, too) which is made of their Eclipse Air-Vent fabric, a 90% Polyester 10% Spandex blend. I have one and I really like it, though I do wish I had gone one size up for the added room. MSRP is $79.99.
The men’s long sleeve is available in Earth (S-3XL or Gravel (S, M, 2XL, 3XL). The women’s version is available in they Approach OG camo in sizes XS to XL. There is also Andaire Short Sleeve crew neck with limited sizes options in Earth, Gravel and Approach OG camo. MSRP is $69.99.
For women, Beretta has its EVAD Flex Shirt in Tobacco and Blaze, Light Grey and Green Stone, which is probably the best option for dove hunting. The shirt features a 4-way stretch synthetic soft fabric embedded with UPF 50, scent and odor control, and wrinkle resistance. The back spine mesh panel enhances breathability, and its roll-up sleeves with button closure is a plus on hot hunting days. With sizes of XS to 2XL, the EVAD Flex Shirt has an MSRP $99.00.
KUIU’s 7 oz Women's Gila LS Hoodie is made for hot weather. The Cool-Touch Fabric is for temps of 70F and above and is highly breathable, odor resistant and UPF 50+ rated. The hoodie offers a looser fit for good air flow and flatlock seams for comfort. It’s available in Valo, Verde (shown), Vias, and Bone colorways, and in sizes XS to XL. MSRP is $79.00.
Pants, or Shorts, It’s Your Call
Dove hunting in pants or shorts is kind of an individual preference thing. Personally, I lean towards pants, as long as they are light and comfortable in the high heat.
Scentlok’s Insyte Lite Pant has a lot of appeal as a pair of pants that can be worn in the dove field or running errands around town.
Made from a lightweight 175 GSM quick-dry nylon/spandex stretch twill fabric, the Insyte Lite features two hand pockets, two zippered cargo pockets, two zippered rear pockets, and a dedicated knife pocket. For when it gets hot, they have side-seam vent zippers to help you dump heat quickly. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch are ideal for mobility and comfort.
Available Charcoal or Flint in sizes 30 to 44 waist, with a Tall version with and additional 2” of inseam. On sizing, Scentlok notes “if you find yourself between sizes it is recommended to order a size up.” MSRP is $119.99 - $129.99.
Badlands offers both pants and shorts in their Andaire lineup—while it’s still available. The Andaire Pants are currently Badlands lightest, most breathable hunt pant, thanks to their Eclipse™ Air-Vent fabric.
The pants are available in sizes 30 to 44 in both regular (32 inseam) and tall (35 inseam), and come in Approach OG, Earth, and Stone. The MSRP is $139.99. These are definitely subject to availability so if you find a pair grab them.
The Andaire Shorts are also offered in Approach OG, Earth, or Stone and are constructed of the same shell fabric (96% Polyester 4% Spandex) and Eclipse Air-Vent Fabric as the Andaire Pants, offering the same moisture-wicking, breathable and quick-drying features.
The shorts are available in 30 to 44 waist with an inseam of 10” (30 & 32) and 11” (34+). The MSRP is $99.99. These are also subject to availability.
Beretta’s Women's Boondock Pant - Otter is made of a stretch fabric for maximum freedom of movement. The outer abrasion-resistant material is made of high tenacity polyamide and treated with DWR - Durable Water Repellent - finishing. The combination of fabrics makes the pant lightweight and very resistant.
Other features include an elastic waistband, closure with YKK zipper and snap buttons, inner buttons for suspenders, side pockets with YKK zipper, front pocket on the left leg, and ventilation openings on the outer leg with YKK zipper.
These are ideal for the woman looking for a hunting pant for both dove and upland game. Available in sizes Small to XXL, the MSRP is $179.00.
– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network