A Break in the Action

MacNab Challenge

Ryan Doughty Season 5 Episode 18

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John Buchan’s 1925 adventure novel, John MacNab is the story of three friends who have lost the zest for life.  They hatch a plan to, under the collective pen name of 'John Macnab', write three landowning neighbors informing them of their intention to kill a stag or catch a salmon on their land without permission between two specified dates (keep in mind poaching in England at this time was a very serious offense). If ‘John MacNab’ fails he will pay the landowner £100, and if he succeeds, he will deliver the animal in person to the landowner and pay £50 to charity.

This great story is a classic and if you haven't yet, I suggest you read it.  Its popularity created something known as the "MacNab Challenge" where the goal is to stalk a red stag, bag a brace of grouse, and catch a salmon on the fly - all in the course of one Scottish Highland day.  Many attempt it each year and a few are successful.  My guests today recount their experiences completing the MacNab Challenge and describe the planning and logistics that can improve one's chances at success. 

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