The Glorious Nineteenth

When planning a shooting trip abroad, Rhode Island might not be top of your list. But in North America’s smallest state, a hidden gem is fast gaining international recognition.

Opened in 2016, The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences is a five-star resort that blends luxury and tradition. It’s the vision of Paul Mihailides – entrepreneur, conservationist, and owner of Italian gunmaker FAMARS.

A transatlantic take on the Glorious Twelfth

To mark the opening of pheasant season on 19 October, Mr Mihailides – known fondly as “Mr M” – decided to honour British tradition with an American twist. Inspired by The Great Grouse Race (where London restaurants compete to serve the first grouse on The Glorious Twelfth), he launched The Glorious Nineteenth.

Teaming up with celebrity chef David Burke, the goal was ambitious: serve fresh-shot pheasant in Burke’s Upper East Side restaurant before anyone else.

Pheasant shooting in New England splendour

Set within 3,500 acres of unspoilt New England wilderness, The Preserve offered the perfect stage. Shooting under blue skies and golden autumn foliage, the Guns – including Burke and Mr M – were armed with exquisite FAMARS shotguns.

Each of the 10 pegs had its own picker-up and retriever. Despite warm conditions, the pheasants flew high and fast. Every drive delivered strong birds and plenty of opportunities.

At the final horn, the bag was swiftly transported 146 miles to Manhattan. That evening, diners at the David Burke Tavern were served the freshest pheasant of the season.

“We’re celebrating food providence and the outdoors”

Mr M explained the vision behind the event: “We’re proud to celebrate the pheasant season in a way that honours tradition and showcases exceptional culinary experiences. Partnering with Chef Burke allows us to bring a unique sporting heritage to New York City.”

Chef Burke, who shot his first-ever pheasant during the day, added: “This initiative connects city food lovers with hunting’s rich traditions. By serving pheasant on opening day, we celebrate flavour, sustainability, and the outdoors.”

A commitment to conservation

As we walked back from the final drive, Mr M explained his long-term vision for The Preserve: “I want to tear up the cliché that business and conservation are at odds. Only 3% of this land has been developed – and it’ll stay that way.”

Despite interest from property developers and hospitals, he has declined every offer to sell.

In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (part of the USDA), The Preserve is also restoring habitat for bobwhite quail. Operations Director Eric Northup is planting native grasses and wildflowers to support chick survival and hopefully establish a sustainable population.

“The goal is an insect buffet,” he explained. “Seed-bearing plants attract the bugs the chicks need to feed on.”

Pheasant-themed fine dining in a Hobbit House

After the shoot, the Guns gathered at one of The Preserve’s iconic Hobbit Houses for an alfresco lunch. Chef Burke and British sous chef Richard Naughton (formerly of Gordon Ramsay’s kitchens) served a five-course pheasant-themed tasting menu.

These unique Hobbit Houses are carved into the hillside, with stone floors and fairy-tale doors. A fourth Hobbit House is under construction and will be the first to offer overnight stays for up to 10 guests.

Accommodation across the estate includes tiny homes, townhouses and luxury apartments.

Sneak peek: The new Sporting Shoppe

Before departing, guests were given a preview of the newly expanded Sporting Shoppe – set to become one of the largest hunting and fishing stores in the US.

Increasing from 15,000 to 25,000 sqft, the store will open in November, complete with ribbon-cutting ceremony and local media attendance. It’s poised to become one of Richmond’s largest employers.

Clay shooting, indoor ranges and more

It’s not just pheasant shooting that draws visitors. The Preserve boasts some of the best clay shooting facilities in America.

There are two sporting clays courses with one- and two-story pavilions, plus two heated five-stand setups. Importantly, every shooting stand is fully wheelchair accessible – a legal requirement in the US, and something Mr M personally insisted on.

For indoor training, The Range is unmatched – with 150-yard lanes, 24 stations, and a firearms simulator, it’s the longest indoor shooting range in the country.

There are over 70 sporting activities available, including:

• Horse riding

• Golf

• Fly fishing

• 4×4 off-roading

• Archery

Whether you’re after a top-tier driven shoot or a luxury family holiday with sporting options, The Preserve has it all.