Macnab Challenge in Scotland

For something completely new, we have decided to revive the traditional Macnab Challenge in Scotland. We have entered into  a new, exciting collaboration with an estate in the stunning Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire. First one fishes for salmon in the River Dee, then hunt for a red deer and shoot  grouse in the highlands. Completing a Macnab is the ultimate challenge for a hunter in Scotland - one that really will put all your skills to the test!

The story behind the Macnab

The Macnab Challenge is based the novel ‘John Macnab’ written in 1925 by John Buchan. In the story of three bored friends decide to challenge three Highland estates - that under the common name of John Macnab, will remove a salmon or a red stag from them before returning it undetected.

 The modern Macnab Challenge is to catch a salmon, shoot a brace of grouse and a highland deer between sunrise and sunset in one day. We can offer a complete package including staying in one of the estate properties, a professional fishing guide and fishing tackle, hunting guide and dog handlers, in fact everything you need to give you the best chance of success.

Season

The challenge can take place from the end of August to the middle of September.

Naturally we cannot give any guarantees of success, and you run the risk of not succeed for one reason or another, but these are the terms of the challenge. But what we can offer is the best framework and conditions for it to succeed, if you are willing to work for it. It is the perfect tour for those hunters who appreciate a challenge!

Program

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh or Aberdeen airport. Pick up you hire car and drive to your hotel in Royal Deeside 

Day 2: The challenge starts with fishing for salmon in the famous River Dee. On the first day you will be met by your professional fishing guide, who has prepared the fishing equipment, waders etc (the Luxury Package) For those who need it, the fishing will start with a couple of hours of casting instruction, that will give you a few tips and tricks to help you master the technique of using a fly rod. When, or if, you are lucky enough to land a salmon you will immediately be picked up by a gamekeeper from the estate who will take you up into the highlands where you will try for grouse before standing dogs. Here you must shoot 2 grouse to continue the challenge. When you have shot your “brace of grouse”, you continue by hunting for red deer until the last light of day.

Dag 3: Repeat of day 2 if you have not completed the challenge.  

Day 4: A day to relax, but it will be possible to book an extra day fishing, if you haven’t been lucky enough to complete the challenge on days 2 or 3. 

Day 5: Departure from the hotel after breakfast and drive to the airport for your flight home.

 One can choose between 2 different packages:

• Standard package, where you bring along your own fishing tackle.
• Luxury package, on hire of all fishing equipment is included

Trophy fees for red stag and grouse will be charged is you succeed in shooting them. They will be billed on the final invoice after you have returned home.