Cover by John Hafner

This time of year, we reflect upon where we’ve been with vision for where we want to go. Looking forward, there is more reason to be positive for our future—from conservation to access to hunter recruitment—than ever before. If we work collectively, there will be habitat and birds available to perpetuate our traditions for generations to come. And, this issue of Covey Rise helps keep our eyes on the prize.

In “Wild at Heart,” Ryan and Roy Seiders show how their bold entrepreneurial vision made YETI the world-renowned brand that it is today. From the hard-sided coolers to insulated mugs, YETI is more than a name—It’s a lifestyle. The Covey Rise team spent some days with the brothers hunting bobwhite quail on their ranch in Kansas.

Of course we love our fine guns, but do you remember your first shotgun—your grandpa’s pump leaning against the barn door or the old autoloader you used to shoot pigeons in the yard? The feature “Guns We Grew Up With” shines light upon the classic Brownings, Winchesters, and Remingtons that ignited the fire of our lifelong passions for shotguns and wingshooting.

Imagine moving from the busy kitchens of restaurants in the Bronx to cooking wild game under the big sky of Montana. This issue features how Michael Carlucci has embraced this challenge and shares his talents with hunters at the Sharptail Lodge run by PRO Outfitters. Quite the unique experience, visitors can enjoy Michael’s upland cuisine inside a village of yurts on the Montana prairie.

In addition, the hunt heads west to climb for chukar in Idaho with Heaven’s Gate Outfitters. We feature the art of Julie Jeppsen, who paints iconic bird-dog and wildlife scenes that honor the Wild West. Chris Madson eloquently describes the dichotomy of losing a special dog while embracing the high hopes for another. As always, enjoy the constant content of cigars, wine, and whiskey to help us celebrate the upland lifestyle.