We always love hearing what our readers think we should review, and luckily, last month, our friend Charles suggested that we check out a company based out of Virginia called Commonwealth Birding.  After a little bit of research, we realized that CB was much more than a clothing line, it is a full on lifestyle brand centered around the love of quail hunting.

When we reached out to the company to introduce ourselves, the proprietors could not have been more welcoming.  Not only did they offer to send some gear our way to review, they invited us out to their preserve to really see what CB was all about.  Needless to say, we jumped at the offer, and this “shop” is unlike any we have ever seen.  As opposed to the traditional retail spaces that most of the shops we profile occupy, Commonwealth Birding sits on a piece of land in a small town outside of Richmond, VA called Amelia Court House.

After an easy drive down 95 from Annapolis, we arrived at a beautiful farmhouse on a one square mile plot of land in the heart of Virginia.  After introductions were made, and hunting licenses were issued, one of the founders of Commonwealth Birding, Demas Boudreaux, took us out on the property to get the lay of the land.  To say that this place is rich in history would be an understatement.   Where else can you see an earthen fort that was built during the Civil War (just in case Jefferson Davis had to make a quick exit from Richmond) that has remained virtually untouched for 150 years?

Ben and Ryan with the results of the days hunt

After the tour, it was time to get down to business.  Since neither of us had fired a weapon in quite some time, Demas made sure we were both comfortable handling a firearm and we set out to shoot some skeet.  After some good natured ribbing about each others’ shooting, it was time for the hunt.  We were introduced to Jake, our pointer for the day, and hit the fields to learn what Commonwealth Birding is really all about, the great sport of quail hunting.  CB offers a number of different hunting packages, so whether you are a  novice (like us), or a more established hunter (like one of the other guests at the preserve that day) there is one that is perfect for you.  In speaking with other visitors to the preserve, one thing was abundantly clear, everyone who comes out has a fantastic time.  Not only that, the staff seems to have just as much fun on the hunt as their customers.  Though hunting season ends in just a few weeks, we highly recommend booking a visit to Commonwealth Birding as soon as you possibly can, the weekends fill up quick and this is one experience you don’t want to miss out on.

Not only did we leave this shop with some great memories, and some fantastic CB gear (reviews coming soon), we also left with the results of the days hunt.  Needless to say, we ate well that night.