Cover by Jim McCann

Hunting season is winding down in parts of the country, and we’re already looking forward to the next, making a list of the places you should visit, the folks you should hunt with, and the birds you should chase. And we’re hoping you might squeeze in some trout fishing along the way, maybe even this spring, to keep you outside. The key to a happy life is gratitude and appreciation for the season you’re in paired with excitement and eagerness for the seasons that are to come.

In this issue of Covey Rise, we try to find a balance of all of the above. Our On Point section showcases some of the best hiking boots and shoes on the market, and we hope you’ll join us by lacing up a pair of your choosing and hitting the trails. Your dogs will appreciate the time and adventure, and keeping in shape for next season is always a good idea. If you don’t have a dog to keep you company, take a look at the piece on Drents, a little-known but vibrant member of the spaniel family with a long history in the Netherlands.

If the hiking makes you long for the luxuries of an upland sanctuary, we offer a story on The Preserve and suggest you add it to your destination list, even if you’ve never considered hunting in Rhode Island. The shooting is great, and the amenities will pamper you.

If your closet is whispering quietly for new threads, take an adventure to one of London’s oldest purveyors of upland and country clothing. Cordings offers all manner of tweeds and accessories and is the perfect stop before setting off to an estate for a driven shoot. Let your dreams be your guide.

For further guidance, we visit with Bryce Daviess, a wild-bird guide and trout-fishing guru. Hunting and fishing with Bryce is a real treat, but the conversation is ultimately the best part, as our story points out. While there is no such thing as the ideal guide, Bryce comes mighty close, and his perspective and ethic are both inspiring.

Fun seems to be at the core of our message in this and every issue. Get out there and get you some of that, and thanks for reading about our pursuit of it.

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The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort: Rhode Island’s wingshooting destination

Wild-Bird Guide: The devotion of Bryce Daviess

The Versatile Drentsche Patrijshond: The rare Dutch gun dog for field, farm, and family

A Stillness Before the Flame: Chef Rob McDaniel’s path from field to fire

It’s All About the Fish: The art of AD Maddox

The Quiet Relevance of Cordings: A storied past and brilliant future