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Barbary Sheep Hunting in Morocco 2025: Season, Gear, Locations & Costs
Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains offer one of the most demanding mountain hunts in North Africa: the pursuit of Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia), also known as Aoudad. With limited permits and rugged terrain, this hunt is built for experienced marksmen seeking a true challenge.
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📍 Species Overview: What You’re Hunting
Barbary Sheep are native to North Africa and thrive in rocky, high-altitude terrain. Mature rams weigh up to 300 lbs and feature long throat hair (“chaps”) and thick, curved horns. Only select males aged 7+ are legally huntable under Moroccan regulations.
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📅 Hunting Season & Permits
• Season: Mid-September to late March
• Peak Months: October to December
Required Documents:
• Valid passport (6+ months)
• Moroccan hunting license
• Firearm import permit (or use outfitter’s rifle)
• Travel insurance covering hunting activities
Only 10 permits are issued per season for trophy rams. Book early — they sell out fast A.
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🧭 Prime Hunting Zones
• High Atlas Mountains: Near Beni-Mellal, Azilal, and Ouarzazate
• Terrain: Steep ridges, rocky plateaus, elevations up to 4,000 meters
• Access: Fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Ouarzazate (OZZ); outfitters provide 4x4 transport
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🔫 Hunting Method & Gear Setup
Spot & Stalk is the standard approach. Expect full-day hikes, glassing from ridgelines, and long-range shooting.
• Rifle: Bolt-action, flat-shooting caliber (.270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .30-06, .300 Win Mag)
• Scope: 3–9x or higher, with clear glass and reliable zero
• Ammo: Premium controlled-expansion bullets
• Binoculars: 10x42 or 10x50 for scanning terrain
• Rangefinder: Laser unit for accurate distance readings
• Boots: High-ankle, mountain-grade
• Clothing: Layered system for cold mornings and hot afternoons
• Pack: 30–40L with hydration system, snacks, gloves, knife
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💰 Hunt Cost Breakdown (2025)
Expect to pay between $5,000–$10,000 USD for a guided Barbary Sheep hunt. Packages typically include:
• Professional guide
• 5–7 days of hunting
• Lodging and meals
• In-country transport
• Trophy field prep
• License and permit assistance
• Trophy fee (may be separate)
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🦴 Trophy Handling & Export
• Field Prep: Your outfitter will cape and salt the hide, clean the skull/horns
• Taxidermy: Optional in Morocco — quality varies
• Export: Most hunters ship trophies home. Expect 3–6 months for paperwork and CITES clearance
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🧠 Tactical Tips
• Train for elevation: cardio + weighted hikes
• Practice shooting from prone, kneeling, and offhand
• Use satellite maps to study terrain before arrival
• Book early — permits are limited and demand is high
• Choose an outfitter with proven access to active sheep zones
🧭 Travel & Entry Logistics
• Airports: Most hunters fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN). For High Atlas access, Ouarzazate (OZZ) is ideal.
• Firearm Transport: If bringing your own rifle, secure a Moroccan firearm permit in advance. Most outfitters offer rental rifles with optics.
• Customs: Declare all hunting gear. Ammunition must be packed separately and within legal limits.
• Language: Arabic and French are official. Most outfitters speak English or provide translation.
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🏁 Final Notes for Serious Hunters
Barbary sheep hunting in Morocco is not a casual outing — it’s a high-altitude, gear-intensive, physically demanding pursuit. You’ll be glassing for hours, hiking steep ridges, and taking long-range shots in unpredictable conditions. But the payoff is real: a massive, mature ram with sweeping horns and a trophy few hunters ever claim.
If you’re looking for:
• A true mountain hunt with minimal pressure
• A rare trophy species in wild terrain
• A guided experience with logistical support
• A hunt that tests your endurance and marksmanship
…then Morocco delivers.
Hunting Trips Morocco 2025: Best Regions, Game Species, Season Dates, Permits & Outfitters
Morocco is one of North Africa’s most versatile hunting destinations. With over 150,000 hectares of exclusive hunting rights, the country offers driven hunts, mountain stalking, and wingshooting across diverse terrain — from the Atlas Mountains to coastal plains and desert valleys. This guide covers everything hunters need to know: regions, species, season dates, gear, legal requirements, and outfitter options.
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📍 Best Hunting Regions in Morocco
• High Atlas Mountains (Azilal, Beni Mellal)
Rugged terrain for Barbary sheep (aoudad) and wild boar. Spot-and-stalk only.
• Souss Valley (Taroudant, Goulimine)
Semi-arid scrub and orchards. Ideal for boar and partridge.
• Northern Morocco (Rabat–Tangier corridor)
Agricultural plains and cork forests. High bird density.
• Eastern Morocco (Oujda, Béni-Snassen)
Remote terrain for aoudad and hare.
• Wetlands (Merja Zerga, Sidi Moussa)
Migratory waterfowl and snipe. Best in winter.
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🐾 Game Species & Seasons (2025)
Species Season Dates Method
Barbary Sheep (Aoudad): Sep 15 – Mar 31 Spot-and-stalk
Wild Boar: Oct 1 – Mar 31 Driven hunts
Barbary Partridge: Oct 6 – Jan 5 Walk-up with dogs
Turtle Dove: Jul 26 – Sep 8 Decoying
Quail: Oct 6 – Jan 5 Walk-up
Hare: Oct 6 – Feb 28 Driven or stalking
Ducks & Snipe: Oct – Jan (varies by zone) Blinds, pass shooting
All hunts must be conducted in legal zones with valid permits. No hunting in permanent reserves.
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📋 Legal Requirements & Permits
• License (Non-Resident): ~1,500 MAD (~€140) for 7 days
• Firearm Import Permit: Required; apply 30+ days in advance
• Insurance: Mandatory under Moroccan law
• Battue Authorization: Required for driven boar hunts
• CITES Export: Needed for trophies like aoudad horns
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🔫 Hunting Methods
• Driven Hunts: Used for wild boar, hare, and partridge. Requires 6–10 hunters.
• Spot-and-Stalk: For aoudad and gazelle. Long-range shooting in mountain terrain.
• Walk-Up Hunts: For quail and partridge with pointing dogs.
• Decoying: For turtle dove and waterfowl.
• Ambush: Near feeding zones or water sources at dawn/dusk.
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🎒 Gear Checklist
• Rifle: .270, .308, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag
• Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge with – shot
• Optics: Binoculars, rangefinder, scope (3–9x or 4–12x)
• Clothing: Layered system, camo, waterproof boots
• Pack: 40–60L with hydration, game bags, knife, headlamp
• Extras: Satellite phone, power bank, sleeping bag (for mountain hunts)
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💰 Pricing & Outfitters
• Small Game Packages: €250–€600/day
• Boar Hunts (Driven): €3,680–€4,990 for 3–4 days
• Aoudad Hunts: $29,500–$39,500 for 5 days
• Add-ons: Non-hunter €375/day, extra hunter €600/day
• Included: Guide, dogs, meals, lodging, transfers
• Not Included: License, insurance, ammo, tips, taxidermy
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❓ FAQ – Morocco Hunting Trips 2025
1. When is the hunting season in Morocco?
October to March for most species; July–September for turtle dove.
2. What animals can I hunt in Morocco?
Aoudad, wild boar, partridge, quail, hare, turtle dove, ducks, snipe.
3. Do I need a hunting license?
Yes, issued by the Moroccan Water & Forests Administration.
4. Can I bring my own firearm?
Yes, with a valid import permit.
5. Are rental guns available?
Yes, most outfitters offer rifles and shotguns.
6. What’s the best region for aoudad hunting?
High Atlas Mountains near Azilal and Beni Mellal.
7. What’s the best region for boar hunting?
Souss Valley and Mamora Forest.
8. Are driven hunts available?
Yes, for boar, hare, and partridge.
9. What’s the average shot distance for aoudad?
200–400 yards.
10. What’s the average shot distance for boar?
20–60 meters in driven hunts.
11. Can I hunt solo?
Yes for stalking; driven hunts require a group.
12. Are dogs provided?
Yes, trained dogs are included in most packages.
13. What’s the cost of a hunting license?
~€140 for non-residents.
14. Is travel insurance required?
Yes, and it must cover hunting activities.
15. Can I export trophies?
Yes, with CITES paperwork and veterinary clearance.
16. What’s the best airport to fly into?
Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, or Oujda.
17. Are meals and lodging included?
Yes, in most outfitter packages.
18. What’s the success rate for aoudad hunts?
High with experienced guides and proper gear.
19. Can I combine species in one trip?
Yes, many outfitters offer combo hunts.
20. Are there restrictions on ammo?
No lead bans for upland or big game.
21. What’s the terrain like in the Atlas Mountains?
Steep, rocky, high-altitude with variable weather.
22. Is hunting allowed in national parks?
No, hunting is prohibited in protected zones.
23. Are permits limited?
Yes, especially for aoudad and gazelle.
24. How far in advance should I book?
3–6 months minimum; 12 months for aoudad.
25. Are outfitters licensed?
Yes, all legal hunts must be booked through licensed operators.
