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Morocco Hunting Laws 2025: What Foreign Hunters Must Know
Morocco offers rugged terrain, diverse game species, and a hunting culture rooted in tradition. But before you pack your rifle or book a trip, understanding the country’s licensing system and legal framework is essential. This guide strips away the fluff and delivers verified, field-ready information for hunters planning a trip to Morocco.
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📋 Who Regulates Hunting in Morocco
All hunting rights belong to the Moroccan State, managed by the Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts (National Agency for Water and Forests). They oversee:
• Hunting seasons and quotas
• Licensing and permits
• Wildlife conservation and protected zones
Hunting is permitted only in designated zones or on private land with permission. Trapping is illegal. Shooting, falconry, and hunting with dogs are allowed.
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🗓️ Hunting Seasons by Species (2025)
• Wild Boar: October – February
• Barbary Sheep (Aoudad): October – February (limited zones)
• Partridge, Hare, Woodcock: October – March
• Migratory Birds (Quail, Dove, Duck): July – September
• Hunting Days: Friday to Monday only
Always confirm exact dates with local authorities or your outfitter. Seasons may shift based on wildlife surveys.
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🦌 Game Species & Bag Limits
• Wild Boar: Abundant; generous bag limits due to crop damage
• Barbary Sheep: Trophy species; strict quotas and special permits required
• Red-legged Partridge: Common; bag limits vary by region
• European Hare: Widespread; regulated to prevent overhunting
• Waterfowl (Mallard, Snipe): Migratory; hunted in wetlands with enforced limits
• Quail & Turtle Dove: Seasonal influx; bag limits adjusted annually
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🔫 Permitted Weapons & Hunting Methods
Allowed Methods:
• Driven Hunts: Common for wild boar
• Stalking: Used for Barbary sheep in mountainous terrain
• Walk-up Bird Hunting: With pointing dogs
Weapons:
• Shotguns: 12 or 20 gauge for birds
• Rifles: Bolt-action preferred; magnum calibers for sheep
• Bows: Legal with restrictions on draw weight and arrow type
• Semi-Automatics: Often restricted; check magazine capacity rules
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🧾 Licenses & Permits You’ll Need
1. Moroccan Hunting License• Required for all hunters
• Foreigners must present a valid license from their home country
2. Species-Specific Permit• Issued per hunt zone and species
• Includes dates, location, and quotas
3. Firearm Import Permit• Issued by the Directorate General of National Security
• Declare weapon at customs on arrival
• Only smooth-barreled hunting weapons allowed
• Provide: passport, rifle details, proof of ownership
4. Insurance Certificate• Mandatory for all hunters
• Often arranged by local outfitter or club
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🚫 Key Regulations to Know
• Hunting Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Protected Areas: National parks and reserves are off-limits
• Vehicle Use: Off-road restrictions apply in some zones
• Alcohol: Consumption during hunts discouraged; respect local customs
• Documentation: Carry copies of all permits at all times
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📍 Best Local Hunting Zones
• Middle Atlas (Azrou, Ifrane): Wild boar, partridge, hare
• Béni-Snassen Mountains: Barbary sheep (limited access)
• Tadla Plains: Dove, quail, hare
• Taroudant Region: Wild boar battues
• River Camp Zones (Benslimane, Meknes): Woodcock, duck, partridge
These areas are managed by local clubs and private concessions, not international outfitters.
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💰 Costs to Expect
• Daily Rates: €200–€500 depending on species and service
• Trophy Fees:• Barbary Sheep: €3,000–€6,000+
• Wild Boar: €200–€500
• Licensing & Permits: €100–€300
• Firearm Import Fees: Varies; expect delays
• Travel & Lodging: Flights, hotels, local transport
• Taxidermy & Export: Additional fees for trophy prep and shipping
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🧭 Final Word for Hunters
Morocco isn’t a plug-and-play hunting destination. It’s a country with real game, real terrain, and real rules. If you’re serious about hunting wild boar or chasing Barbary sheep across rocky ridges, get your paperwork in order, work with a local outfitter, and respect the land.
Hunting Shorebirds in Morocco: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Ban on Shorebird Hunting in Morocco, Regional Variances, Relevant Laws, and the Ongoing Role of Hunting Traditions in Conservation Efforts.
Geographical and natural features of the region
Morocco has diverse landscapes that are important for hunting:
- The Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts are key migration sites for migratory birds (ducks, geese, sandpipers).
- Wetlands (Merzha-Zerga, Ued-Marsa) are the main places of accumulation of waterfowl.
- Mountainous areas (Atlas, Reef) – hunting partridges, pigeons, hares.
Hunters and demographics of the region
- According to the Moroccan Hunting Federation, there are about 30,000 licensed hunters in the country.
- Most of them are locals, but there are European hunters (especially from France and Spain).
- Hunting is a part of rural culture, but its popularity is declining in cities.
Features of hunting in Morocco
- Migration corridors – In autumn and spring, huge flocks of birds fly through Morocco.
- Traditional methods – hunting with decoys, on flights, with dogs (spaniels, brakki).
- Limited infrastructure – few specialized hunting farms, more often wild hunting.
Types of hunting and the main types of game
1. Bird hunting (main direction):
-Ducks (mallard, teal)
- Geese (gray, white-browed)
- Sandpipers (woodcock, snipe)
- Partridges (red, stone)
2. Animal hunting (less common):
- The Hare-hare
- Wild boar (in forest areas)
- The Fox
Hunting seasons (current data for 2024)
- Waterfowl: from November 1st to January 31st.
- Partridges, pigeons: from October 1 to February 20.
- Wild boar: allowed all year round in some regions (due to harm to agriculture).
Bans:
- Starting from 2021, a complete ban on hunting shorebirds (sandpipers, herons) in coastal areas has been introduced due to population decline.
- Hunting with electronic decoys is also prohibited at night.
Hunting clubs and associations
- Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation (FRMC) – regulates the issuance of licenses.
-Hunting associations in Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir – organize tours for foreigners.
Hunting legislation
- License is required (cost ~50-200 euros depending on the type of game).
- Weapons: 12- and 20-caliber rifles are allowed, but the import of foreign weapons is difficult (it is better to rent on site).
- Fines for violating the rules – up to 1,000 euros, confiscation of weapons.
Hunting traditions in Morocco
- Falconry is a historical method, especially in desert areas.
- Hunting with greyhounds – the traditional way of hunting hares.
- Public hunting – collective trips are organized in some villages.
Interesting facts
- Morocco is a key stop for birds flying from Europe to Africa.
-Woodcock is considered prestigious prey among local hunters.
- Flight hunting is one of the most adventurous ways due to the high activity of birds at dawn.
Morocco is an interesting destination for bird hunters, but with severe restrictions, especially in coastal areas. Before traveling, you should clarify the current laws and obtain a license through FRMC.
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Laws on trapping birds in the Argan forests of Morocco: A guide for hunters. Understand the legal aspects of hunting and trapping birds in the Argan Forests of Morocco. Find out what is legal, what is forbidden, and how to hunt ethically.
Important warning: This article is about laws on bird trapping, not the promotion of bird trapping. Trapping birds, especially in protected areas, is often illegal and causes damage to bird populations. The purpose of this article is to inform hunters about the current laws so that they can comply with them and hunt responsibly
Geographical and natural features of the region in terms of hunting
The Argan Forest in Morocco is a unique ecosystem located in the southwestern part of the country.
- Argan trees: The dominant type of vegetation, providing shelter and food for many species of birds.
- Atlas Foothills: A diverse landscape, including mountains, valleys, and plains.
- Semi-arid climate: Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters.
- Variety of birds: Argan forests are home to many species of birds, including migratory and endemic ones.
Hunters and demographics of the region
Accurate statistics on hunters and trapping of birds in Argan forests are not publicly available.
- Local residents: Hunting and trapping birds have historically been part of the local culture, but are now strictly regulated.
- Pest control: Bird trapping is sometimes carried out to protect crops from pests.
- Conservation of biodiversity: It is important to note that the region is actively working to preserve biodiversity and protect birds.
Hunting/trapping features
Hunting and trapping birds in Argan forests requires knowledge of the laws and compliance with ethical standards.
- Trapping permit: Trapping birds, even those that are considered pests, may require special permission.
- Protected species: Trapping of protected bird species is strictly prohibited.
- Use of trapping methods: The use of certain trapping methods may be illegal or unethical.
Types of hunting in the region. Hunting animals in the region.
- Quail hunting (if allowed): Quails can be hunted in certain areas.
- Pest control (subject to permit): Some bird species may be considered pests of agricultural crops, and their capture may be permitted with the appropriate permit.
Hunting seasons in the region
Hunting seasons in Morocco are set annually by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Before hunting, it is necessary to specify the current dates of opening and closing of hunting for each type of game. There is no open season for trapping all bird species. Trapping is regulated by individual permits, if it is allowed at all.
Associations and clubs of hunters in the region
In Morocco, there are national and regional hunter associations that can provide information on hunting regulations and licensing.
Hunting legislation in the region
Hunting and trapping of birds in Morocco is regulated by national legislation.
- Hunting license: Hunting requires a hunting license.
- Trapping permit: Trapping birds, if allowed, requires a special permit.
- Protection of protected species: Trapping or hunting of protected bird species is strictly prohibited.
- The Ramsar Convention: Morocco is a party to the Ramsar Convention, which protects wetlands and birds associated with these lands.
Traditions of the region in terms of hunting
Hunting and trapping birds were part of the local culture, but it is important to note that modern laws strictly regulate these activities.
Interesting facts about hunting in the region
Argan forests are home to many endangered endemic bird species.
- The ecosystem of argan forests is very fragile and needs to be protected.
Trapping birds in the Argan Forests of Morocco is a sensitive issue that requires strict compliance with laws and ethical standards. Whether trapping or hunting is practiced, it is always necessary to check current rules and restrictions and act responsibly so as not to harm bird populations and the environment. Conservation of biodiversity must be a priority.
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