June-July 2026 Edition  

The value of creative writing is in jeopardy from the pace of tech innovation, and we are in a fierce battle to protect the virtue of our narrative traditions. We cherish the time-honored merit of writers who are at the pinnacle of their practice, and we are a steadfast champion of sharing tales worth telling. 

In this issue of Covey Rise, we strengthen our mission and honor our upland traditions from Canada to Oregon and England. The adventure chasing mountain quail on the Coast Range of the Pacific is a testament to our purpose: telling tales well told. Worth Parker follows pointing dogs on the prairies of South Dakota on a Turner property. The Covey Rise team treks north to hunt waterfowl in Alberta, Canada. The wild artistry of the walking stick figuratively comes to life in England, and Westley Richards showcases that they can do much more than create fine guns in stimulating narratives written by Claire Sadler. Who knew there was a versatile hunting breed called the Cesky Fousek? Nancy Anisfield dives into the details of the quality, viability, and health of these cooperative bird dogs.

Speaking of dogs, and we say this with sincere sadness, this issue represents the retirement of our dear friend Frank. In Toasting the Hunt, Daria Smith tells the bourbon tale of Jeff E. Parrot from what’s in the glass to the glass itself. Reid Bryant reminds us to widen our perspective on both hunting and life. We celebrate summertime wine drinking through the expertise of Jordan Mackay, and Robert Parvin Williams says the best part of these festivities is what happens after dinner. Finally, this issue debuts Last Light as the closing column, with a nod to Doc Blythe’s brilliantly written adventures that graced our magazine for years.

Because upland experiences are worth the time it takes to tell them, and we appreciate the value of truly creative writing, Covey Rise will continue to carry the torch forward to defend the long story. We hope you enjoy this issue!

Cover by John Hafner

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.