Mattamuskeet Setter Hats

Description

The Mattamuskeet Setter Hat is a performance-driven piece designed for the outdoorsman who values both function and tradition. Made with perforated breathable panels and Dry-Fit moisture-wicking fabric, it ensures all-day comfort whether you’re on the hunt, casting a line, or enjoying time outside. The structured fit and durable construction make it as dependable as it is stylish.
But this hat is more than just gear — it’s a tribute to artistry and heritage.
The Story Behind the Design
Gastonia native and Belmont Abbey graduate Ralph Ray earned national recognition as a distinguished bird and dog illustrator. After early studies at the Ringling School of Art in Florida, Ray moved to New York City, where his career flourished. His deep connection to the sporting world began in his college years, traveling to Lake Mattamuskeet with his close friend Harold Sumner. The region’s wild landscapes and time-honored hunting traditions became inspiration for some of his earliest works.
Among them was a pen-and-ink sketch of “Duke”, one of E.D. “Pet” Sumner’s English Setters. That drawing revealed the lifelike detail and spirit that would define Ray’s career as one of America’s great sporting artists.
To celebrate the reopening of the Goose Club, we are proud to release this limited edition hat, featuring Ralph Ray’s iconic sketch of the Setter. Each hat carries not just a performance design but also a tribute — honoring Ralph Ray’s legacy and the enduring traditions of sportsmanship that shaped his art.