The Macnab Challenge has its roots in the 1925 novel John Macnab by John Buchan. The story follows three protagonists: Sir Edward Leithen, John Palliser-Yeates and Lord Lamancha, all desperate to relieve the ennui that has engulfed them. The solution can only be something devilish, with a dash of daring. Under the mantle of John Macnab, they issue a warning to three Highland estates: within 48 hours they will remove a salmon or stag, undetected, and present it at the door of the house. On this, they stake their reputations and the danger proves innervating.

The modern Macnab Challenge: bagging a salmon, stag and brace of grouse within one day between dawn and dusk, was derived by The Field magazine from Buchan’s tale. It is a thrilling test of sporting skill (with a dash of luck thrown in). The Field’s Macnab Challenge is open to all those who have successfully completed a Macnab within the current sporting season. For those who have done so beforehand we invite them to join our Macnab Club.

This year we are delighted to welcome Blaser as associate sponsors of The Field’s Macnab Challenge.

Read more about the 2023 Macnab Challenge and the conservation work behind each species.

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