Morocco Migratory Bird Hunting 2025: Best Seasons, Locations, Species & Regulations

Morocco Migratory Bird Hunting 2025: Best Seasons, Locations, Species & Regulations Morocco sits directly on the East Atlantic Flyway, making it one of North Africa’s top destinations for migratory bird hunting. From ducks and geese to snipe and turtle doves, the country offers consistent shooting across wetlands, estuaries, and agricultural zones. This guide covers everything hunters need to know: seasons, species, prime locations, gear, and legal requirements. --- 📅 Best Seasons for Migratory Bird Hunting in Morocco • Autumn Migration (September–November): Peak season. Large flocks of ducks, geese, and shorebirds arrive from Europe. • Winter Holding (December–February): Birds settle in Moroccan wetlands. Stable shooting conditions. • Spring Migration (March–May): Northbound movement. Limited hunting opportunities early in the season. Note: Turtle dove hunting occurs in summer (late July to early September) during their southbound migration. Bag limit reduced to 40 birds/day as of 2024. --- 🎯 Target Species & Habitats Waterfowl • Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos): Found in all major wetlands. • Northern Pintail (Anas acuta): Prefers open water and flooded fields. • Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope): Coastal lagoons and estuaries. • Common Teal (Anas crecca): Small marshes and rice fields. • Greylag Goose (Anser anser): Larger wetlands during migration. • Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra): Lakes and reservoirs. Waders • Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago): Marshes and wet meadows. • Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa): Mudflats and lagoons. • Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata): Coastal grasslands. Doves & Pigeons • European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur): Agricultural zones during migration. • Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus): Found year-round in forests and farmland. --- 📍 Top Hunting Locations in Morocco • Merja Zerga Wetland (Kenitra): Ramsar site. High waterfowl density. • Sidi Moussa Lagoon (Oualidia): Coastal lagoon with ducks and waders. • Khnifiss National Park (Tarfaya): Desert lagoon system with migratory birds. • Oum Er-Rbia Estuary (South of Casablanca): Popular for waders and teal. • Aguelmame Sidi Ali Lake (Middle Atlas): High-altitude duck habitat. • River Camp Morocco (Private 5,000 ha): Offers woodcock, mallard, partridge, and quail. --- 🔫 Hunting Methods & Gear Waterfowl • Decoying: Use floating decoys and blinds near feeding zones. • Pass Shooting: Intercept birds between roost and feed. • Jump Shooting: Flush birds from cover. Gear: • 12 or 20 gauge shotgun • Steel or non-toxic shot (mandatory in many wetlands) • Waders, waterproof boots, camouflage clothing • Binoculars, rangefinder, bird calls Waders • Stalking: Slow approach in open terrain. • Use small shot sizes (.5 to ) Doves & Pigeons • Decoying or Driven Hunts • Shotguns with or .5 shot • Lightweight camo and hydration gear --- 📋 Legal Requirements & Bag Limits • License: Mandatory. Issued by the Direction Régionale des Eaux et Forêts. Foreign hunters must book through licensed outfitters. • Firearm Import: Requires advance permit. Most outfitters offer rental shotguns. • Bag Limits:• Ducks/Geese: 5–10 birds/day • Turtle Dove: 40 birds/day A • Snipe/Curlew: 5–8 birds/day • Season Dates: Vary by species and region. Confirm with outfitter. • Protected Zones: Hunting prohibited in national parks and Ramsar-designated areas without special permits. --- 💰 Costs & Logistics • Daily Rates: €450–€650/day for waterfowl hunts • Turtle Dove Packages: €3,000–€5,000 for 3–5 days (includes guide, transport, permits, meals) C • Accommodation: Lodges near hunting zones or hotels in nearby towns • Transport: Airport pickup (Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir), 4x4 access to field --- 🧠 Tactical Tips • Hunt early morning and late afternoon for best flight activity • Use wind direction to position blinds • Scout terrain with satellite maps or drone footage • Bring backup ammo — local supply is limited • Train with moving targets before arrival 🧭 Travel & Entry Logistics for Bird Hunters • Airports: Fly into Casablanca (CMN), Marrakech (RAK), or Agadir (AGA) depending on your target region. Most outfitters offer airport pickup and in-country transport. • Firearm Transport: If bringing your own shotgun, apply for a Moroccan firearm import permit at least 30 days in advance. Most outfitters provide rental guns (12 or 20 gauge). • Documentation: Required documents include a valid passport, hunting license, firearm permit (if applicable), and travel insurance that covers hunting activities. • Language: Arabic and French are official. English is spoken by most outfitters but rarely in rural areas. --- 🏁 Final Notes for Serious Bird Hunters Morocco’s migratory bird hunting is fast-paced, high-volume, and terrain-diverse. Whether you’re decoying mallards in coastal lagoons, stalking snipe in marshes, or shooting doves over sunflower fields, the country offers real action for shotgun hunters. If you’re looking for: • Consistent waterfowl flights • High bag limits on doves and pigeons • Diverse terrain from wetlands to farmland • Guided hunts with local expertise …Morocco delivers.