Exploring the Thrill of Morocco Hunting: A Journey Through the Country’s Wild Side
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
Are you ready for a hunting adventure like no other?
Look no further than Morocco, a destination that offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and rich cultural experiences.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a first-timer, Morocco will leave you with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. But what makes Morocco so special and why should you consider it for your next hunting trip? Keep reading to find out!
Morocco is a hunting paradise, and as an experienced hunter, I can attest to that. The diversity of game species in Morocco is truly impressive, from the majestic Barbary macaque to the elusive mouflon, the country offers a wide range of hunting opportunities for all types of hunters.
Barbary macaque
Red fox
European hare
Egyptian mongoose
Common genet
European wildcat
African wildcat
Raccoon dog
Hares
Quail. Pigeons and other birds such as Doves
The Barbary macaque is a highly sought-after species, and for good reason. These intelligent and curious primates are not only a thrilling hunt but also fascinating animals to watch. The best time to hunt them is from September to February.
The Barbary partridge is another popular game species, known for its fast and challenging flight. The best time to hunt them is from September to February.
The Barbary wild boar, on the other hand, is a fierce and powerful animal that requires skill and determination to take down. The hunting season for wild boars is from September to February, but the best time to hunt them is during the winter, when they are more active. Wild boars are the only large animals in Morocco which can be hunted.
The Mouflon, a wild sheep, is one of the most challenging and rewarding game species to hunt in Morocco. They are elusive animals, and their hunting season is from September to February. But the best time to hunt them is during the rut, which is from December to January.
In addition to these game species, Morocco also offers hunting opportunities for various other animals such as the red-legged wild partridge, and the hare.
The benefits of hunting in Morocco
There are many benefits to hunting in Morocco, some of which include:
Unique landscape and biodiversity: Morocco offers a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the rolling hills and plains of the interior. This diversity in landscape and biodiversity makes it an ideal hunting destination for those who want to experience a variety of different hunting environments and game species.
Cultural experience: Hunting in Morocco is not just about the sport, but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people. Many hunting trips in Morocco also include excursions to local towns and villages, where hunters can experience the local way of life and sample traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Affordability: The cost of hunting trips in Morocco is relatively low compared to other popular hunting destinations, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious hunters.
High quality of hunting: Morocco is home to a variety of game species, which are known for their impressive size and trophy quality. This makes it an ideal destination for hunters who are looking to add a high-quality trophy to their collection.
Accessibility: Morocco is well connected to major European cities, making it easy for hunters to plan a trip.
Professionalism: Moroccan hunting outfitters and guides are highly professional, experienced, and knowledgeable about the local hunting conditions and regulations.
Morocco offers several exceptional hunting areas, such as Agadir, Taroudant, and the Atlas Beni Mellal, Afourar, Azilal, and the plain of Tadla. These areas provide a wonderful environment for hunting and offer a variety of game species for hunters to pursue. Some of the most popular game species to hunt in Morocco include turtledove, partridge, hare, quail, pigeon, and wild boar.
FAQs on Morocco Hunting
What are the hunting areas in Morocco?
Morocco has several hunting areas, which vary in terms of the types of game that can be found there and the hunting conditions. Some of the most popular hunting areas in Morocco include:
Atlas Mountains: This range of mountains offers a diverse range of landscapes and habitats, from rocky peaks to dense forests. Game species that can be found here include Barbary macaque, Barbary partridge, Barbary boar, and mouflon.
The Souss Massa National Park: This national park is located in the south of Morocco and is known for its diverse landscape and rich biodiversity. Game species that can be found here include Barbary macaque, Barbary partridge, Barbary boar, and mouflon.
The Toubkal National Park: This national park is located in the central part of the Atlas Mountains and is known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty. Game species that can be found here include Barbary macaque, Barbary partridge, Barbary boar, and mouflon.
The Tazekka National Park: This national park is located in the Middle Atlas Mountains and is known for its dense forests and rich wildlife. Game species that can be found here include Barbary macaque, Barbary partridge, Barbary boar, and mouflon.
The High Atlas Mountains: This range of mountains is located in the central part of Morocco and is known for its challenging terrain and diverse wildlife. Game species that can be found here include Barbary macaque, Barbary partridge, Barbary boar, and mouflon.
The Rif Mountains: This range of mountains is located in the northern part of Morocco in North Africa and is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife.
Whilst you might know Morocco more for the beautiful coastline on the mediterranean sea and the atlantic ocean, hunts and shooting are now becoming tourist activities as well.
Do I Need Permits to Hunt in Morocco?
Hunting in Morocco is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The ministry is responsible for managing hunting activities, issuing hunting permits and licenses, and enforcing hunting regulations in the country. The ministry also works with local communities, private hunting clubs, and other stakeholders to ensure that hunting is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner.
In Morocco, hunting is governed by the “Royal Decree 2.12.248” which defines the rules and regulations for hunting in the country. This includes the hunting seasons, the types of game that can be hunted, the areas where hunting is allowed, and the necessary permits and licenses required for hunting. The Royal Decree also establishes penalties for violators of hunting regulations.
In addition to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, hunting in Morocco is also managed by the hunting reserves, which are managed by the government, local communities, and private hunting clubs. They provide a controlled and safe hunting environment and ensure the sustainability of the game population and the preservation of the natural habitats.
How many tourists hunt in Morocco?
hunting is a popular sport in Morocco with around 80,000 Moroccans and 3,000 tourists participating in the sport annually. The Moroccan High Commission for Water and Forestry and the Fight Against Desertification plans to promote hunting tourism in Morocco, using it as a tool for rural development.
The commission aims to increase the number of hunting tourists to 15,000 by 2024. This would have a significant impact on the rural economy and provide a source of income for local communities. The commission also sees hunting tourism as a way to preserve wildlife and manage wildlife populations in the country.
What is a Typical Hunting Day Itinery
A typical hunting day in Morocco usually starts early in the morning, with the hunters being transported to the hunting area which is typically located about 35 minutes from the accommodation. The hunting area is where the game species are abundant, and where the hunting activities will take place.
Upon arrival, the hunters will be provided with cartridges and instructed on the position they should take for hunting. Two exits of hunting are usually organized per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. This allows hunters to take advantage of the different hunting conditions and behaviors of the game species at different times of the day.
What types of game can I hunt in Morocco?
Morocco offers a wide range of hunting opportunities for a variety of game species, including Barbary macaque, Barbary partridge, Barbary boar, mouflon, wild boar, hare, rabbit, partridge, and water birds.
What are the hunting seasons in Morocco?
The hunting seasons in Morocco vary depending on the game species, but generally, the hunting season is from September to February.
Are there any hunting restrictions in Morocco?
Yes, there are hunting restrictions in Morocco, these include hunting seasons, hunting areas, and limits on the number of game that can be hunted. Hunters must also respect the rules and regulations of the environment and not hunt protected or rare species.
