The Macnab Challenge 2025

The Macnab

The Macnab Challenge stands as one of the most iconic and revered sporting trials in the UK. Rooted in Scottish hunting tradition, the challenge combines shooting, stalking, and fishing, presenting a unique test of skill, endurance, and patience. While the notion of the Macnab has been popularized by John Buchan's 1925 novel John Macnab, today’s challenge has evolved into an extraordinary blend of adventure and heritage, captivating sportsmen and women from around the world.

The essence of the Macnab Challenge is simple yet daunting: over the course of a single day, participants must shoot a red stag, catch a salmon on the fly, and shoot a brace of grouse. While the basic concept sounds straightforward, it requires an exceptional degree of coordination, skill, and luck to complete.

Each year, Catskill Casts & Coverts brings together a select group of six sportsmen and women to embark on multiple Macnab attempts over the span of a week. Success hinges on careful planning, perseverance, physical fitness, skill, and a touch of luck. With the support of a dedicated team of ghillies, gamekeepers, and stalkers, participants are given every chance to succeed.

Amhuinnsuidhe Estate

The 2025 Macnab Challenge will be based out of Amhuinsuidhe Castle, a remote seaside estate on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Amhuinnsuidhe has a network of lochs, streams, moors and mountains and all of the sport will be conducted on the 55,000-acre estate. This provides obvious logistical and tactical advantages.

Few places in the world offer a setting as spectacular as the Isle of Harris. The challenge is as much about the environment as it is about the sports. Stalking a red stag through the mists of the mountains requires both physical fitness and intimate knowledge of the terrain, while fishing in the crystal-clear rivers and lochs demands a mix of patience, finesse, and timing. Completing the Macnab isn’t just a sporting feat—it’s a celebration of Scotland’s wild beauty and its longstanding hunting traditions.

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Part of the appeal of the Macnab Challenge lies in the luxury and tradition that surround it. After a day of intense outdoor activity, participants retreat to Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, where hunters can unwind in elegant accommodation and reflect on the day’s events. Our team will have exclusive use of the entire estate and castle.

The castle chef curates gourmet meals, showcasing Scotland’s finest locally sourced ingredients—from fresh seafood to game and seasonal produce. These evening meals are a chance for participants to gather around a table, sharing stories, and celebrating both successes and near misses from the day. This sense of camaraderie adds another layer of richness to the experience, making the Macnab more than just a sporting challenge—it’s a complete escape into the heart of Scotland’s hunting tradition.

Our Team

While the Macnab is often seen as a personal challenge, it is, in reality, a team effort. Success depends on the collaboration of a skilled support team, including ghillies, gamekeepers, and stalkers. Ghillies, experts in the local landscape and wildlife, provide strategic guidance. The gamekeepers ensure the estates are well-maintained, and the stalkers help hunters track down the elusive red stag. Every Macnab attempt is a blend of individual effort and teamwork, with each member of the team contributing to the hunter’s success.

With teamwork at the heart of every successful Macnab, at Catskill Casts & Coverts we take pride in our long-standing partnership with Amhuinnsuidhe. For years, we have worked closely with their team of Ghillies and stalkers, fostering a seamless collaboration built on experience and shared dedication. This strong working relationship ensures an unparalleled experience for our clients, combining expert local knowledge with our proven expertise to create the best possible chance of success.

No Guarantees, Just Adventure

What makes the Macnab Challenge so captivating is its uncertainty. There are no guarantees of success—only a guarantee of adventure. Weather conditions, the movement of wildlife, and the hunter's own skill all play a part in determining the outcome. Even with the best preparation, there's always a large element of chance, which adds to the excitement and allure of the challenge.

Whether it’s navigating harsh weather, pushing physical limits, or the thrill of a perfectly timed shot, each attempt offers something different. Those who succeed walk away with not only the ultimate sporting accolade but also memories that last a lifetime.

Every attempt offers an unforgettable journey—a challenge of perseverance, skill, and respect for nature in one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

Inclusions

Stateside Field Day prior to trip for Macnab preparation
Seven day adventure
Three days of Macnab attempts including trophy fees
Stag, salmon, grouse over pointers
Accommodation in a historic castle
Gourmet cooking featuring local seafood, produce & game
All meals and wine with dinner
Shotguns and rifles
All ammunition and terminal tackle
Ground transportation to and from Stornoway Airport
Two days of fishing when not a Macnab day

Exclusions

Inclusions

Flights to Stornoway Airport
Extra day of Walked up Grouse or extra day of Stalking
Trophy fee for stag on lay days
Trophy prep, Taxidermy and Shipment to U.S.
Alcohol other than wine at dinner
Gratuities for staff

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I get there?

Amhuinnsuidhe is a short distance from the Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis. We will arrange transportation to and from the castle. The Storoway Airport is an easy connection from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Rick and our team will greet you at the airport.

Can I bring a non-sporting companion?

Absolutely! Your companion is welcome to observe the sport. There is plenty to do on the castle grounds and estate including hiking and bird watching. The Isle of Harris is home to countless scenic seaside villages with tweed shops, art galleries, cafes, & distilleries. The beaches of Harris are listed as some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

How do I pay for this trip? What is the cancellation policy?

A 50% deposit is due when booking. The balance is due on May 1st, 2025. We recommend purchasing travel insurance after sending your deposit. We pay a non-refundable deposit to the estate, so if you need to cancel for any reason, we can refund your money only if we are able to sell your spot to someone else.

The Macnab Challenge