Bird hunting - All
French court overrules government on bird hunting licences
France’s top administrative court has suspended new permits given out by the government for traditional bird hunting.
Monday’s decision by the Council of State ruled that hunting orders granted by the government earlier this month were likely to contravene European law. The ruling follows Intense lobbying by nature conservationists.
“It's a great joy that the urgency has been recognised because the damage is irreversible in terms of hunting,” Muriel Arnal, of the NGO One Voice, told France Info radio.
"It's important to know that there is justice, and that our ecosystems and biodiversity are protected."
Activists say that 150,000 birds die annually in France from non-selective hunting techniques such as glue traps and nets at a time when Europe's bird population is in sharp decline.
Tecnniques banned
Over the summer the court banned a range of traditional techniques for hunting birds, including using nets, cages and glue traps.
The practices have been popular in the southwest of France and the eastern Ardennes region.
“For years the hunting lobby has been listened to by successive governments,” Arnal said.
“But today, we can't say that we don't know that birds are disappearing, that it's cruelty, just for a hobby.”
The 2009 European Birds Directive prohibits the mass capture of birds without distinction of species.
"Hunting traditions cannot justify failure to comply with the requirements of the Birds Directive," said the League for the Protection of Birds, hailing the French court's ruling as a "fine and great victory".
However hunting groups are unhappy with the decision, arguing their bird hunts are too small to affect biodiversity".
"I have a lot of anger, bitterness and disgust," Willy Schraen, president of the National Federation of Hunters, told AFP.
"I don't understand this political and legal determination to annoy a handful of French people over something so insignificant."
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.
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📅 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.
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🎯 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.
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📍 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.
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🔫 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
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📋 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.
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💰 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
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🧠 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.
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🏁 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.
Sahara Desert & Coastal Bird Hunting in Morocco 2025: Game, Regions, Strategy
Morocco’s hunting potential goes far beyond the Atlas Mountains. The Sahara Desert and coastal wetlands offer distinct opportunities for hunters targeting desert-adapted game and migratory birds. If you’re looking for rare trophies and diverse terrain, these zones deliver.
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📍 Sahara Desert Hunting: Barbary Gazelle & Desert Fox
The Moroccan Sahara — especially near Merzouga and the Draa-Tafilalet region — is home to elusive desert species:
• Barbary Gazelle: Fast, alert, and adapted to harsh terrain. Spot-and-stalk hunting across rocky outcrops and dunes.
• Desert Fox: Nocturnal predator, hunted with thermal optics or bait setups.
• Sand Hare & Desert Birds: Secondary targets during multi-day hunts.
Terrain: Sand dunes, dry wadis, rocky plateaus.
Climate: Daytime heat (30–40°C), nighttime cold (5–10°C).
Gear: Lightweight boots, hydration packs, sun protection, long-range optics.
Access: Fly into Errachidia or Ouarzazate. Outfitters provide 4x4 transport and desert camps.
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📅 Sahara Hunting Season 2025
• Gazelle: March to May
• Fox & Hare: October to February
• Birds: Vary by species; check with outfitter
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🦆 Coastal Bird Hunting: Migratory Waterfowl & Game Birds
Morocco’s Atlantic coast — especially near Rabat, Casablanca, and Agadir — is a hotspot for migratory birds:
• Ducks & Geese: Peak season October to January. Hunt near lakes, estuaries, and rice fields.
• Barbary Partridge & Quail: Found in scrublands and foothills. Ideal for shotgun hunting with dogs.
• Herons & Waders: Present in wetlands; often hunted during combo trips.
Best Zones:
• Sidi Moussa Wetlands
• Oualidia Lagoon
• Souss-Massa National Park
• Moulouya River Delta
Methods:
• Decoy setups in blinds
• Walk-up hunts with pointing dogs
• Driven bird hunts in organized groups
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🏕️ Logistics & Lodging
• Desert Camps: Tented setups with full board, guides, and water supply.
• Coastal Lodges: Hotels or guesthouses near wetlands.
• Transport: 4x4 vehicles for desert; standard vans for coastal hunts.
• Permits: Handled by outfitter. All hunts require valid licenses.
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🔫 Recommended Firearms
• Gazelle: .243, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270
• Fox & Hare: .22-250, .223 Rem
• Birds: 12-gauge shotgun with to shot
• Ammo: Bring your own — local supply is limited and expensive
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🎯 Bag Limits (2025)
• Gazelle: 1–2 per hunter
• Fox: 2–3 per trip
• Ducks/Geese: Up to 10/day
• Partridge/Quail: Up to 15/day
• Hare: 1–2/day
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🧠 Pro Tips for Desert & Coastal Hunts
• Scout terrain via satellite maps before arrival
• Use thermal scopes for fox at night
• Hunt birds at dawn and dusk for best flight activity
• Combine desert and coastal hunts for a 7–10 day package
• Hydrate aggressively in the Sahara — dehydration kills accuracy
🧭 Travel & Entry Tips for Hunters
• Airports: For Sahara hunts, fly into Errachidia (ERH) or Ouarzazate (OZZ). For coastal hunts, use Casablanca (CMN), Rabat (RBA), or Agadir (AGA).
• Firearm Transport: Most outfitters offer rental rifles. If bringing your own, secure import permits in advance and declare at customs.
• Documentation: Passport, hunting license, insurance, and outfitter contract are mandatory.
• Language: Arabic and French are official. Most hunting guides speak English or provide translation.
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🏁 Final Notes for Serious Hunters
If you’re looking for a hunting experience that goes beyond fenced ranches and overused game trails, Morocco’s Sahara and coastal zones offer raw, tactical challenges:
• Spotting gazelles across 1,000-meter flats
• Calling ducks into blinds with the Atlantic wind at your back
• Tracking desert foxes under moonlight
• Combining mountain, desert, and wetland hunts in one trip
This isn’t canned hunting — it’s real field work. With the right outfitter, gear, and mindset, Morocco delivers rare trophies and unforgettable terrain.
