Cover by Russell Graves

There is beauty in upland diversity. Everybody’s seasons vary. Everybody’s target bird may be different depending on the time of the year. And then we throw in seasonal opportunities to travel, to fish, to hunt waterfowl or big game, or to shop for our favorite gear. Upland hunting is relevant in every month from January to December and certainly stands the test of time.

In this issue of Covey Rise, our yearlong celebration of upland hunting is evident. The cover image of a bobwhite by Russell Graves is sure to make us think about quail at all times, even for those who don’t do that already. The photography by Taylor Glenn that opens the book makes us want to explore the backcountry in search of birds or trout or just for adventure. Anywhere we chase gamebirds, we could probably go fishing too, and this issue’s On Point section features fly-fishing gear to keep trout rising on the water all day.

We start in Michigan by highlighting Meemo’s Farm, where luxury lifestyle is synthesized with home-like comfort and plenty of bird-hunting opportunities. Mark McLean was named Purina’s Dog Handler of the Year, and we explore his life as a dog trainer and trialer. As we know, fine shotguns are timeless, and we promote the revival of E.J. Churchill, London’s home of shooting.

Hopefully, you have freezers full of upland game—our story on Chef Sarah Rennie documents recipes and techniques for cooking over an open flame. The story on Chrysalis gets our clothing gears turning with a tailored tale about fine garments for shooting sports and the country life. There is no off season for conservation, so our story on Prairie Wildlife hits the issue of quail habitat hard.

As always, Frank mesmerizes us with his antics from a dog’s eye level, and our wine column teaches us a thing or two about the art of the wine list. Robert Parvin Williams features his passion for wingshooting, Ben O. Williams gives us a classic on hunting the heartland in Oklahoma, Miles DeMott makes us think about conservation in a different way, and readers will appreciate the memories between a son and a father with the closing of Doc Blythe’s The Last Hunt column. Make upland hunting your go-to pursuit year-round, and never forget that Covey Rise will be your tour guide for all upland adventures and more, from issue to issue as we go.

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Meemo’s Farm: Peace, elegance, and the great outdoors

The Trials of Mark McLean: Purina’s Dog Handler of the Year

London’s Home of Shooting: The revival of E.J. Churchill

Cooking Over an Open Flame: The live fire of Sarah Rennie

A Cut and Sew Above: The ecosystems of Chrysalis

Prairie Wildlife: Conservation, quail, and Helice