Most hunting is associated with the fall season.
Fall is associated with cooler temperatures and warmer clothes, however the month of September always seems to be one of the hottest months of the year. Especially the early part of the month, which is when dove hunting season and archery deer hunting season open up across much of the country. Early season hunting can be particularly hot in the south, where temperatures are often still over the 90 degree mark.
Spending considerable time outside in the heat is uncomfortable for sure, but can even be dangerous. Now we’re not encouraging you to stay indoors, because September can be one of the very best months to enjoy the great outdoors. If you plan on doing some early season hunting here soon, then be sure to stay hydrated and stay in the shade.
The right gear can ensure you are more comfortable while hunting in high temperatures, and even increase the likelihood of a successful hunt. Scent control is particularly important for September deer hunters with extra steps needed to prevent your gross, sweaty gear from stinking up the woods.
Protecting yourself from hours spent in the direct sun while hunting in open dove fields season is something every early season dove shooter should prioritize. Plus in some parts of the country, avoiding ticks and mosquitoes while in the field is an essential part of staying comfortable while hunting.
Our friends as Bass Pro Shops have all kinds of gear to make your hot weather hunt more enjoyable and successful, here is some of the best:
Scent-A-Way Max Wash Towels – $5.99
If you walk to your tree-stand or blind during early season archery, then you’re going to start sweating on your way to the stand. Throw a pack of these wipes in your bag and scrub away your sweaty scent a little bit when you get to the stand and don’t let your stank ruin your hunt.
Nose Jammer Deodorant – $6.99
Throw a stick of this in your pack too while you’re at it. Roll some of this on your pits before you put your hunting shirt on and bring it with you and reapply once you sweat the first coat off hiking into to your hunting spot.
Under Armour Iso-Chill Brush Line Shirt – $45.00
The Under Armour brand has been popular with professional athletes for decades now, so you know they make great products. Their line of hunting gear is no exception.
Their exclusive Iso-Chill fabric disperses your natural heat and makes the shirt feel cool to the touch. Plus it has UPF 50+ sun protection built in to shields against harsh rays. The material is also fast-drying and moisture-wicking. This is an excellent choice for those hot evenings on the dove field or in the deer stand.
Under Armour Field Ops Hunting Pants – $49.97
These pants are tough enough to handle any hunting situation you might find yourself in, but lightweight and quiet enough to be cool and comfortable on any early season hunt.
The pants repel water and have anti-odor technology meshed into the fabric to keep you comfortable while hiding your scent. They’re a great option for deer hunting or dove hunting.
RedHead Camo Dove Vest – $29.99
A dove vest isn’t necessarily required for hunting the birds, but it sure does make the experience a lot more convenient. This lightweight vest has a mesh back for extra breathability for those hot early season hunts, plus the two front pockets make it easy to keep shotgun shells on hand for quick reloads.
The blood proof game pouch in the back is any easy place to store your birds while keeping your hands free to shoot more.
Ben’s 100 Tick & Insect Repellent – $5.99
No body likes ticks, but unfortunately they’re an obstacle that must be dealt with during early season hunts throughout much of the country. Given the number of diseases that ticks carrying, you’re going to want to protect yourself from those little bugs.
This spray repels ticks and other insects with great efficiency and each coating lasts up to 10 hours. The small bottle is easy to throw in your pack if you need to re-up.
Thermacell MR-450 Mosquito Repeller – $34.99
Thermacell’s have revolutionized the mosquito repellent game. Even more effective than spray’s and bug zappers, this amazing piece of technology creates a 15-square-foot bug free zone. Set it up near your favorite dove hunting spot or hang it from a branch near your tree stand and enjoy mosquito free comfort your next time afield.
Bass Pro Shops Throwback Foam Hunting Hat – $12.99
Throw it back to your grandpa’s favorite hunting hat with this timeless classic. The retro camoflauge pattern meshes perfectly with the classic Bass Pro Shops logo to create a hunting hat that looks like it has stories to tell. Plus the front foam panel will soak up sweat on a hot hunt.
Muddy Dove Bucket – $24.99
Similar to the dove vest, you don’t necessarily need a bucket to dove hunt, but you’re going to have a better time if you do have one. You can throw some ice in the bucket and keep a couple gatorades cold, or you can use the bucket to store the birds you shoot or fill it with empty shotgun shells when its time to clean up.
Plus the padded seat makes it a portable and easy to move seat to help you relax in between the shooting action. You won’t see an experience dove hunter in the south without a bucket with them in the field.
Cabela’s Lightweight Performance Long-Sleeve Shirt – $12.97
This loose fitting spandex shirt is perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable on any early season hunt. It’s durable enough to stand up to early season hunting conditions and light enough to keep you cool. Plus there is odor control technology built into the fabric.
Cabelas’s Lightweight Performance Pants – $69.99
These pants are an excellent option to suit all of your early season hunting needs. The pants include several innovative fabric designs that combine fast drying power, moisture-wicking capabilities, and embedded scent-suppressing technology. Pair it up with the shirt above and your early season hunting apparel is ready to go.
Wildlife Research Center Super Charged Scent Killer Spray – $6.99
Even with scent blocking technology built into the fabric of most hunting apparel these days, some extra cover scent can’t hurt. Spray down your clothes and boots with this scent killing spray before you head into the woods and you’ll be even more confident that your odor won’t be what ruins your hunt.
Scent Killer Liquid Clothing Wash – $12.99
You can never be too safe when it comes to covering your scent when deer hunting. While a lot of hunters choose not to wash their outerwear during the season, if you sweat through your shirt on an early season hunt then you’re going to want to wash it with some scent killing laundry detergent like this.
Irish Setter VaprTrek 2.0 Waterproof Hunting Boots – $144.99
Every hunter knows that the boots on your feet are one of the most important parts of the adventure. Without a comfortable pair of boots, you’ll be uncomfortable all day.
Keeping your feet warm is one of the most important parts of any late season hunt, but keeping your feet cool in the early season is just as important. This super lightweight pair of boots is waterproof, comfortable, and perfect for all early season conditions.
Cabela’s 30 Can Camo Soft Sided Cooler – $29.99
Staying hydrated is key to early season hunts, so having a lightweight and portable cooler to haul into the field with you will serve you well. Load this cooler down with some ice and some waters, Gatorades, or other beverages of your choice and maybe throw some snacks in there.
It’ll make your hunting experience even more enjoyable.
Please keep in mind that you are legally required to purchase a hunting license to hunt deer and doves on both private and public land. Always look up the rules and regulations in the state you’re hunting.
The sale of hunting licenses and permits directly funds the conservation of wildlife habitat and public land as well as the development of gun ranges in all 50 states.
Buying a hunting license protects you from potentially being fined, having your gear confiscated, and/or losing your hunting privileges. It’s important to remember that just because you have a hunting license in one state, that does not mean it is valid in another state.
Whiskey mixes well with a lot of things but firearms ain’t one of them. Please hunt responsibly and save the whiskey for the campfire at night.
*This post contains links through the Bass Pro Shops affiliate marketing program. While all products are independently selected by our expert Riff Outdoors team here at Whiskey Riff, if you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
