Covey Rise

Field essentials—the Covey Rise way.

📸 by John Hafner

Few names have left a mark on the bird-dog world quite like Delmar Smith. We’re saddened to hear of his passing but grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.

Delmar spent a lifetime shaping not only exceptional bird dogs, but generations of the people who trained them. His belief in patience, understanding, and a gentle hand changed the way countless sportsmen and women approached their dogs—and his influence will endure for generations to come.

When we featured Delmar in the February–March 2016 issue of Covey Rise, writer Tom Davis put it simply: “No one has witnessed more bird-dog history than Delmar; few have made as much.”

Our thoughts are with the Smith family and all those who knew, learned from, and loved Delmar.

Scenes from our current issue...

Before the covey rises, there is the quiet loading of the gun. Then comes the search—the grouse disappearing into the heather, the hunters disappearing into the hills.

Step onto the Scottish moor in the August–September issue of Covey Rise.

Photography by Sarah Farnsworth

August–September 2026 | Volume 14, Number 5

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To understand Hamish Martin, you have to follow him into the hills.

There, among Scots pine, juniper, blaeberries, deer, and dogs, the seemingly separate pieces of his life begin to make sense. Hunting, conservation, whisky, tartan, and tradition are all connected by the landscape beneath his feet.

Read the full story, “Hamish Martin: Wild Places, Whisky, and Tartan,” in the August–September 2026 issue of Covey Rise.

Story by Simon Reinhold
Photography by Sarah Farnsworth

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What makes a “Charlie dog”?

For Charlie Thorburn of Mordor Gundogs, it’s a certain look, a certain calmness, and generations of careful breeding. From a small farm in Scotland, his Labradors and spaniels have found homes across 35 countries and 37 states—and earned a reputation all their own.

Read “Mordor Gundogs: Honest Dogs Bred in the Scottish Hills” in the August–September 2026 issue of Covey Rise.

Story and photography by Joe Reilly

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Nature, translated into steel.

For master engraver Malcolm Appleby, the Dragonfly Gun became a canvas for something much larger. Its engraving draws from the patterns, movement, and life cycle of the dragonfly, with details meant to be discovered from every angle.

Read “Etched in Time: Malcolm Appleby and the Dragonfly Gun” in the August–September 2026 issue of Covey Rise.

Story by Simon Reinhold
Photography by Sarah Farnsworth

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We heard it's National Dog Day.

Consider this our excuse to give a little extra appreciation to the best hunting partners around.

Your new favorite Yeti just landed.

The 20 oz. Upland Bird Tumbler is now available in the Covey Shop—featuring a field-inspired design made for those who’d rather be chasing birds.