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hristmas creeps up on us every year—especially for upland hunters. I’d venture to guess that you are probably notorious for doing your gift shopping at the last minute, just like me.

We are naturally distracted by birds and guns and dogs. Our adrenaline boils with anticipation for the season openers in September. During October and November, we get in the groove of the golden hours and take advantage of every moment afield. For those in the North, December brings weather, but we try to milk every possible day for what it’s worth. And if you are in the South at the same time, you are just getting going with plans for the New Year and bird-hunting seasons beyond.

At all times, we are focused on driving roads, running dogs, chasing birds, and cleaning guns. Then all of a sudden…Christmas hits us like a fast car out of nowhere.

The time flies. We live in the moment. And in so doing, sometimes life goes whirring past us at high speed. Once the shopping is done, however, the holidays bring a time of rest and peace with family and friends…at least until the next bird season is upon us.

As I grow older with a young boy at home, I notice how fast life passes us by. Whether it is his baseball games, school activities, or hunting with him and the dogs, I am yearning for this time of his boyhood to slow down, while it seems like he is doing everything he can to speed it up.

My pace of life is slowing, and I now understand more than ever how moments of contemplation and gratitude are important, too. I don’t want to lose memories of the things that matter. And at the same time, my son is flying through life, just like I once did. But, I’m still glad that he represents the next generation of hopeful hunters that will carry on the cycle’s ebb and flow of our cherished traditions.

That is why the stories told in Covey Rise are so crucial for us these days. Each issue makes the time stand still.

Sitting down and thumbing through the pages takes us to another place, another time, and gives us vision for the future. The stories force us to slow down and enjoy all that the captivating words and spectacular images do for our imagination, hopes, and dreams for future hunts and travels. A celebration is, in itself, reflection upon the good times, and we appreciate this in spades through spirits, cigars, and camaraderie. We honor those who came before us while understanding the need, through hunter recruitment and conservation, to preserve our heritage for the next generation.

In this issue, we learn from Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota to take lessons from the land to impact conservation-related legislation and policy in the future. The story about walking into Darlington Gun Works in South Carolina brings shooters back in time to revel in the legacy of classic shotguns. The quail of Mexico represent more than just a hunt, but instead they bridge lives together for a special group of friends. Lock & Co. Hatters has a revered history of its own in London for sporting attire. Nebraska brings the heat for prairie chickens, and we bring to light the true meaning of conservation and why that matters for habitat creation going forward—and much more.

As the holiday season approaches, make the time stand still—immersed in the upland lifestyle. We hope you enjoy this issue!