Cover by Seth Bynum

By now the resolutions are beginning to fade. Step counts are dwindling, calorie counts are blossoming, and Dry February is looking more and more like a pipe dream. Keep the faith. You resolved to spend more time reading Covey Rise, and for that we are thankful. To celebrate your strong discipline, we’ve assembled an assortment of stories to ease your burden.

In this issue of Covey Rise, we begin at the beginning, with the Glorious Twelfth, the official start of the upland season in the United Kingdom. North American traditions are different in a number of ways, but our histories are forever intertwined, and it’s always a pleasure to understand more deeply the passion and pageantry of the British way. And speaking of history, we take a long, hard look at the extraordinary craftsmanship of a unique canvas in Beretta’s latest effort of storytelling through engraving. The guns in question explore the unique role of Rome and Florence in Renaissance Italy, where Beretta—celebrating its 500th anniversary soon—was a going concern and participant. More than history, though, we look at another renaissance of sorts in the resurgence of the Braque du Bourbonnais, a special breed of hunter that all but left us for good around the middle of the last century. Freckled and fabulous, this dog is all you could want and more.

And speaking of fabulous, we venture to Vancouver in search of the perfect meal, and The Mackenzie Room anchors a trip that doesn’t disappoint. We pause to go on a hunt with Edgar Diaz, creator of Sight Line Provisions, and learn about his accessory brand for the outdoor enthusiast founded to celebrate adventure. After stretching our legs and minds, it helps to return to a familiar place and a familiar peace. On one hand, we find ourselves recounting a new take on a favorite young-adult novel, My Side of the Mountain, and we close with Doc’s look at the restorative nature of place, purpose, and paws as he returns to a fountain of peace in hard times.

Just as we find solace in different ways, we also find community in the upland space, however we express it and enjoy it. Again, we admire your discipline in sticking to your resolutions, especially the one about us. Thanks for reading, and don’t worry so much about the step count. Walk the dogs often and watch the weight of the world slip away. That’s our plan, anyway.

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The Glorious Twelfth: An opening day to remember

Uncommon Beauty: The elusive allure of the Braque du Bourbonnais

The Gun as Art: Beretta’s SO10EELL Tribute to Rome, Florence, and Venice

The Palatable and Passionate Vancouver: A view of The Mackenzie Room

Luck, Love & Introspection: The story of Sight Line Provisions

My Own Side of the Mountain: Revisiting a favorite early novel