If you hunt north of Interstate 10 in Texas, then the 2018 dove season is officially underway.
Although the weather is still hot, there are many great times to be had in the dove field. If you are planning a trip of your own, here are a few items to purchase and tips to help make the hunt more enjoyable:

1. Breathable scent-wicking camo clothing
In order to have a great time in the outdoors, it helps to be prepared by wearing the correct clothing. The idea of burning up or freezing to death is simply not pleasurable.
In the early dove season of Texas, plan for high temperatures. It is still summertime. There are many breathable, scent wicking materials that will help you to stay cool on even the warmest days. There are also some great pants that have zip off legs and can turn into shorts. The traditional cotton camo t-shirt and blue jeans are a thing of the past and shouldn’t be considered as an option.

2. Deep Woods Off
Any Texas hunter with much experience at all knows that from time to time the bugs can get real pesky. There have been times that I thought the mosquitos would quite possibly suck all of the blood out of my body. I have left hunts feeling like a pin cushion with so many bites and stings that it is not even funny.
When it comes to dove hunting, skeeters aren’t the only concern. Enter the mighty chigger or “red bug” as he is affectionately called. These bugs attack with a vengeance and seem to go straight for the more “private” parts of your body.
By spraying down with Deep Woods Off, the affects of both of these bugs can be avoided. Simply get a can on your way out of town, and you will be glad that you did. If you don’t do it this time, after one case of chiggers, you won’t forget.

3. A comfortable chair
Most dove hunters that I know have owned at least one “dove stool”.
These are usually super light weight and super uncomfortable and unstable. In fact, sitting on one is just barely better than standing up for hours on end. Don’t be cheap. Get a good comfortable chair.
One with a good back and arm rests is the way to go. No need to worry about it being too heavy since most hunters have a truck, arc, or UTV within a short distance anyway. Find a nice shady spot to sit and relax and enjoy the hunt. A good chair is worth it!

4. Mojo dove
I have seen this little device work like magic.
For those of you who aren’t familiar, this is a dove decoy made of plastic. It has an internal motor that is battery powered and makes the wings spin at a fast rate of speed.
The spinning wings attract the dove that are flying nearby, and in the right conditions can severally tilt the odds in your favor. Simply place the mojo where you want them. It’s to land and turn it on. Be careful not to shoot the mojo when the dove arrive.

5. H2O
Beer, juice, wine, and carbonated drinks each have their own place. However when it comes to dove hunting, nothing beats good ol’ water.
Bring an ice chest with cold water or even one of the fancy water bladders that fits in a backpack. Just make sure you bring plenty of water. Bring enough for you, your guest, and your dog. Everyone on the hunt is guaranteed to get thirsty so be prepared. A little advanced preparation will go a long way.

There are many other items I could add to this list, but this will get you started in the right direction. As a precautionary note, be careful in the heat. Remember that people and dogs alike can get overheated and suffer ill effects.
Keep cool, keep hydrated, and have a great time in God’s outdoors.
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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of the Outdoorsman’s Church in Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and outdoors writer for The News.