A method and apparatus for improving reception of responsive RFID signals is provided. The method includes transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals each having a different polarization to activate one or more RFID tags. Responsive signals from the RFID tags are analyzed for receive symbol quality data to select a transmit polarization subset. These polarizations are then used for transmitting further interrogation signals to the RFID tags. The apparatus includes a dual element orthogonal radiator coupled to a transmitter and receiver. A processor controls the transmitter and receiver to transmit a series of RFID interrogation signals each having a different polarization, and receive a series of responsive signals from one or more RFID tags. The responsive signals are analyzed to select a particular a transmit polarization subset that will improve reception of future responsive signals from the RFID tags.