When the Dry Winds Blow: Hunting Seasons, Regulations and Prime Times in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province

General Hunting Rules and Timings in Cabo Delgado Region The official hunting season in Cabo Delgado runs from June 1 to November 30, as regulated by Mozambique's National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC). This dry season window coincides with optimal wildlife concentrations near remaining water sources in the region's coastal forests and miombo woodlands. Unlike Tanzania's southern hunting blocks which extend seasons into December, Cabo Delgado's earlier closure accounts for the region's heavier November rains. The 2023 hunting reforms introduced dynamic quota adjustments based on aerial surveys, particularly affecting elephant and lion allocations. Historically, seasons ran May-January until 2018, when insurgency concerns and conservation needs prompted tighter controls. Cross-border differences exist with neighboring Niassa Province where some species have different opening dates. Seasonal Hunting Variations Game movements follow distinct patterns: early season (June-July) offers exceptional buffalo hunting in the Messalo River floodplains as herds congregate near permanent water. Mid-season (August-September) provides prime leopard opportunities in the coastal forests of the Quirimbas ecosystem. Late season (October-November) yields the best elephant trophies as bulls begin rutting activities. The region hosts the annual "Cabo Delgado Hunting Outlook" each May, where outfitters present detailed season forecasts. Night hunting remains prohibited except for government-approved problem animal control operations near villages. Bans and Restrictions Absolute protection covers wild dogs, cheetahs, and all rhino species. Female elephants with calves may not be hunted, with strict age verification required for lion (males over 6 years). Special regulations govern sable antelope (males only, minimum 36-inch horns) and leopard (males with specific facial scarring patterns). The wet season (December-May) imposes complete hunting closures to protect calving wildlife. Temporary restrictions may apply in areas affected by insurgent activity, with daily security briefings required for all hunting parties. Licensing and Permits in Cabo Delgado Region Non-resident hunters must book through ANAC-licensed outfitters, providing passport copies, firearm import permits (maximum 3 rifles), and documented dangerous game experience. The Cabo Delgado Professional Hunters Association conducts mandatory pre-season security and regulation briefings. A 20% conservation fee applies to all trophies exported from the province. Due to security concerns, all hunting parties must travel with armed escorts in designated concession areas. Penalties for Violations in Cabo Delgado Region Poaching offenses carry mandatory 10-year prison sentences under Mozambique's revised wildlife laws. Trophy misrepresentation incurs $50,000 fines and permanent license revocation. ANAC rangers conduct surprise inspections of hunting camps, with daily logbook verifications. Illegal use of military-grade equipment (night vision, suppressors) draws additional terrorism-related charges. Tactical Considerations The challenging environment demands .375 H&H minimum for dangerous game, with .300 Win Mag suitable for plains species. Early morning hunts work best near seasonal pans (June-August), shifting to late afternoon along elephant trails (September-November). Thermal optics are essential for detecting threats in dense coastal thickets. Local trackers recommend earth-tone camouflage matching the region's distinctive cashew tree bark patterns. All hunting parties must carry satellite communication devices and emergency medical kits due to remote locations. In the past, licensed hunting tours were available in certain private reserves and designated hunting areas, often arranged through specialized outfitters and guided by experienced local professionals. These trips typically included stays at remote hunting camps, full-board accommodation, and guided expeditions into the wilderness. Hunting was regulated by the Mozambican government through a system of permits and quotas designed to ensure sustainable practices and prevent over-exploitation of wildlife. However, in recent years, the security situation in Cabo Delgado has significantly deteriorated due to ongoing armed conflict and insurgency by extremist groups. This instability has severely disrupted tourism, including hunting safaris, and has made large parts of the region inaccessible and unsafe for foreign visitors. As a result, most hunting operations have ceased, and related infrastructure has either been abandoned or destroyed. Currently, the focus in Cabo Delgado is largely on restoring peace, stability, and basic services rather than promoting recreational or commercial hunting. While the region still holds potential for future ecotourism and controlled hunting activities, these will depend heavily on long-term improvements in security and governance. For now, any form of hunting-related travel to Cabo Delgado is strongly discouraged due to the volatile conditions on the ground.