Duck Hunting in Morocco: A Complete Field Guide for Waterfowl Hunters 🦆

Duck Hunting in Morocco: A Complete Field Guide for Waterfowl Hunters 🦆 Duck hunting in Morocco is a hidden gem for wingshooters who crave wild landscapes, migratory birds, and authentic field experiences. With its mix of coastal wetlands, inland marshes, and river systems, Morocco offers a surprisingly rich habitat for ducks migrating between Europe and Africa. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from species and migration patterns to hunting methods, prime locations, seasons, and pricing for locals and foreign hunters. --- 🐦 Duck Species Found in Morocco Morocco hosts a variety of migratory ducks during the winter season. The most commonly hunted species include: • Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) – The most widespread and abundant duck in Morocco’s wetlands. • Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) – Sleek and fast-flying, often found in coastal lagoons. • Common Teal (Anas crecca) – Small, agile, and often hunted in mixed flocks. • Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) – Recognizable by its broad bill, common in shallow marshes. • Gadwall (Mareca strepera) – Less flashy but excellent table fare. • Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) – Less common, protected in some zones. These ducks migrate from northern Europe and Russia, using Morocco as a wintering ground or stopover. Populations vary annually depending on rainfall, temperature, and habitat conditions. --- 🗺️ Prime Duck Habitats Across Morocco 1. Merja Zerga Lagoon (Kenitra Region) • Morocco’s most famous wetland for waterfowl • Dense reed beds, shallow bays, and open water • Hosts thousands of ducks during peak migration • Requires permits and local guide coordination 2. Souss-Massa National Park (Agadir Region) • Coastal lagoons and estuaries • Pintail and teal are common here • Hunting allowed only in designated zones with strict oversight 3. River Camp Morocco (Benslimane, Meknes, Middle Atlas) • Private hunting concession with 5,000 hectares • Includes lakes, rivers, and grain fields • Mallards dominate, with mixed flocks of teal and shoveler • River Camp official site 4. Tadla Plains & Azilal Wetlands • Inland marshes and irrigation canals • Ideal for morning flight hunts • Less pressure, more natural movement --- 🗓️ Duck Hunting Season in Morocco • Season Duration: October to late March • Peak Months: November to January • Hunting Days: Friday to Monday only (closed Tuesday–Thursday) • Legal Hours: Sunrise to sunset • Bag Limits: Vary by region; typically 5–10 ducks/day Hunters must confirm local quotas and species restrictions with their outfitter or the Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts. --- 🎯 Hunting Methods 1. Morning Flight Shooting • Hunters set up near water sources before dawn • Ducks arrive in small flocks at first light • Shots are fast and overhead—requires quick reflexes 2. Pass Shooting • Used in open terrain or near flyways • Hunters intercept ducks moving between feeding and roosting zones • Ideal for pintail and teal 3. Decoy Hunting • Less common but growing in popularity • Mallards respond well to decoys in quiet ponds • Requires concealment and calling skills 4. Walk-and-Wait • Hunters move slowly along marsh edges • Flush ducks from cover or wait near feeding zones • Best for solo hunters or small groups --- 🧾 Licensing & Legal Requirements • Moroccan Hunting License: Required for all hunters • Species-Specific Permit: Issued per hunt zone and species • Insurance Certificate: Mandatory • Firearm Import Permit: Required for foreign hunters bringing shotguns • Ammo Restrictions: Lead shot may be restricted in wetlands; use steel or bismuth --- 💰 Pricing for Locals & Tourists For Moroccan Residents: • License & Insurance: ~300–500 MAD/year • Daily Hunt (DIY): ~200–400 MAD • Club Memberships: Optional, ~1,000–2,000 MAD/year For Foreign Hunters: • 3-Day Package: €1,700–€2,500• Includes lodging, meals, guides, dogs, transfers • Extras:• License & insurance: €100–€150 • Ammo: €100/250 shells • Gun rental: €30–€50/day • Tips: €10–€20/day for guides --- 🧭 Final Thoughts Duck hunting in Morocco is a blend of wild nature, migratory bird science, and traditional fieldcraft. It’s not a high-volume shoot like Argentina or Eastern Europe—but it’s authentic, scenic, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re calling mallards into a quiet pond at River Camp or intercepting teal over the Merja Zerga Lagoon, Morocco offers a waterfowl experience that’s as real as it gets.