Pheasant Hunting in Morocco: Best Locations, Seasons & Costs 🦚

Pheasant Hunting in Morocco: Best Locations, Seasons & Costs 🦚 Morocco isn’t just a land of spices and souks—it’s a rugged, game-rich country with a deep hunting tradition. While wild boar and partridge dominate the headlines, pheasant hunting is quietly gaining traction among local and visiting hunters who know where to look. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: species, habitat, hunting methods, seasons, locations, and costs—based on verified data and real field practices. --- 🐦 Pheasant Species in Morocco The primary species hunted is the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), introduced decades ago and now established in select regions. While not native, it thrives in agricultural zones and forest edges. Some hunting clubs also release ring-necked pheasants for controlled hunts, especially in private concessions. • Plumage: Chestnut brown with golden and black markings • Behavior: Ground-dwelling, explosive flyers when flushed • Habitat: Vineyards, grain fields, scrublands, forest margins --- 📊 Population & Distribution Pheasant populations in Morocco are localized and managed, not widespread like in Eastern Europe or the U.S. Most birds are found in managed hunting estates near: • Benslimane Province (between Casablanca and Rabat) • Meknes Region (vineyard zones) • Middle Atlas (Azrou and Ifrane cork oak forests) These areas combine natural habitat with controlled releases to maintain huntable numbers. Wild populations exist but are sparse and not legally hunted outside designated zones. --- 🗓️ Hunting Season • Season Duration: October to late February • Best Months: November and December (cooler weather, better dog work) • Hunting Days: Friday to Monday only (no hunting Tuesday–Thursday) • Bag Limits: Vary by concession; typically 4–8 birds per day Always confirm with your outfitter or local club, as quotas and dates may shift annually based on wildlife surveys. --- 🎯 Hunting Methods 1. Walked-Up Hunts Over Dogs • Most common method • Hunters walk in line with pointing dogs (English Setter, Brittany, German Shorthaired Pointer) • Birds are flushed and shot on the rise 2. Driven Hunts • Organized in larger estates • Beaters push birds toward stationary hunters • Ideal for groups of 6–10 hunters 3. Static Hunts Near Feeders • Used in semi-wild setups • Hunters wait near feeding zones at dawn or dusk • Less dynamic, but effective --- 📍 Top Hunting Locations 🏞️ River Camp Morocco • 5,000 hectares across Benslimane, Meknes, and Middle Atlas • Mixed terrain: forests, vineyards, grain fields • Known for pheasant, partridge, woodcock, and wild boar • River Camp official site 🏞️ Chassamir (Marrakech Region) • 5,000+ hectares of rocky hills and valleys • Offers guided pheasant and partridge hunts • Dogs and guides included • Chassamir hunting club 🏞️ Widiane Chasse (Azilal Province) • 70,000 hectares in the Atlas Mountains • High-quality driven bird shooting • Luxury accommodation available • Atlas Sporting – Widiane Chasse --- 💰 Costs & Packages Prices vary by location, duration, and services. Here’s a general breakdown: • 3-Day Pheasant Hunt Package: €1,700–€2,500• Includes airport transfers, guides, dogs, meals, lodging • Excludes license (€100–€150), ammo (€100/250 shells), tips • Daily Rates: €500–€700 per hunter • Gun Rental: €30–€50/day • License & Insurance: €100–€200 per season • Firearm Import Permit: Required if bringing your own gun --- 🧾 Legal Requirements • Moroccan Hunting License (foreigners must present home-country license) • Species-Specific Permit (issued per hunt zone) • Insurance Certificate (mandatory) • Firearm Import Permit (bolt-action or shotgun only; semi-autos restricted) --- 🧭 Final Thoughts Pheasant hunting in Morocco isn’t mass-market—it’s niche, controlled, and rewarding. You won’t find endless wild birds, but you will find well-managed hunts, challenging terrain, and authentic local hospitality. Whether you’re walking up birds over dogs in the Middle Atlas or shooting driven pheasants in Benslimane, Morocco delivers a memorable experience for hunters who value quality over quantity.