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.

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.