Barbary Sheep Hunting in Morocco 2025: Season, Gear, Locations & Costs

Barbary Sheep Hunting in Morocco 2025: Season, Gear, Locations & Costs Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains offer one of the most demanding mountain hunts in North Africa: the pursuit of Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia), also known as Aoudad. With limited permits and rugged terrain, this hunt is built for experienced marksmen seeking a true challenge. --- 📍 Species Overview: What You’re Hunting Barbary Sheep are native to North Africa and thrive in rocky, high-altitude terrain. Mature rams weigh up to 300 lbs and feature long throat hair (“chaps”) and thick, curved horns. Only select males aged 7+ are legally huntable under Moroccan regulations. --- 📅 Hunting Season & Permits • Season: Mid-September to late March • Peak Months: October to December Required Documents: • Valid passport (6+ months) • Moroccan hunting license • Firearm import permit (or use outfitter’s rifle) • Travel insurance covering hunting activities Only 10 permits are issued per season for trophy rams. Book early — they sell out fast A. --- 🧭 Prime Hunting Zones • High Atlas Mountains: Near Beni-Mellal, Azilal, and Ouarzazate • Terrain: Steep ridges, rocky plateaus, elevations up to 4,000 meters • Access: Fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Ouarzazate (OZZ); outfitters provide 4x4 transport --- 🔫 Hunting Method & Gear Setup Spot & Stalk is the standard approach. Expect full-day hikes, glassing from ridgelines, and long-range shooting. • Rifle: Bolt-action, flat-shooting caliber (.270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .30-06, .300 Win Mag) • Scope: 3–9x or higher, with clear glass and reliable zero • Ammo: Premium controlled-expansion bullets • Binoculars: 10x42 or 10x50 for scanning terrain • Rangefinder: Laser unit for accurate distance readings • Boots: High-ankle, mountain-grade • Clothing: Layered system for cold mornings and hot afternoons • Pack: 30–40L with hydration system, snacks, gloves, knife --- 💰 Hunt Cost Breakdown (2025) Expect to pay between $5,000–$10,000 USD for a guided Barbary Sheep hunt. Packages typically include: • Professional guide • 5–7 days of hunting • Lodging and meals • In-country transport • Trophy field prep • License and permit assistance • Trophy fee (may be separate) --- 🦴 Trophy Handling & Export • Field Prep: Your outfitter will cape and salt the hide, clean the skull/horns • Taxidermy: Optional in Morocco — quality varies • Export: Most hunters ship trophies home. Expect 3–6 months for paperwork and CITES clearance --- 🧠 Tactical Tips • Train for elevation: cardio + weighted hikes • Practice shooting from prone, kneeling, and offhand • Use satellite maps to study terrain before arrival • Book early — permits are limited and demand is high • Choose an outfitter with proven access to active sheep zones 🧭 Travel & Entry Logistics • Airports: Most hunters fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN). For High Atlas access, Ouarzazate (OZZ) is ideal. • Firearm Transport: If bringing your own rifle, secure a Moroccan firearm permit in advance. Most outfitters offer rental rifles with optics. • Customs: Declare all hunting gear. Ammunition must be packed separately and within legal limits. • Language: Arabic and French are official. Most outfitters speak English or provide translation. --- 🏁 Final Notes for Serious Hunters Barbary sheep hunting in Morocco is not a casual outing — it’s a high-altitude, gear-intensive, physically demanding pursuit. You’ll be glassing for hours, hiking steep ridges, and taking long-range shots in unpredictable conditions. But the payoff is real: a massive, mature ram with sweeping horns and a trophy few hunters ever claim. If you’re looking for: • A true mountain hunt with minimal pressure • A rare trophy species in wild terrain • A guided experience with logistical support • A hunt that tests your endurance and marksmanship …then Morocco delivers.