Duck Hunting Methods in Morocco: Field-Proven Techniques, Regional Strategies & Dog Work 🦆

Duck hunting in Morocco isn’t a packaged experience—it’s raw, seasonal, and shaped by terrain, weather, and tradition. From the tidal lagoons of Merja Zerga to the inland marshes of Tadla, each region demands a different approach. This guide breaks down the actual hunting methods used by Moroccan waterfowl hunters, with detailed insight into setups, dog breeds, regional tactics, and how the hunt unfolds in real time. --- 🎯 Morning Flight Shooting (Most Common Method) This is the bread-and-butter technique for duck hunters across Morocco. It’s used in nearly every wetland zone—from River Camp’s lakes to the reed beds of Souss-Massa. 🔹 How It Works: • Hunters arrive at the blind or natural cover before dawn, usually by 5:30–6:00 AM. • Ducks begin flying in 30–45 minutes after sunrise, heading from roosting areas to feeding zones. • Shots are taken as birds pass overhead or swing into decoy spreads. • Most action happens in the first 90 minutes of daylight. 🔹 Setup: • Natural blinds made from reeds, eucalyptus branches, or camo netting. • Shotguns: 12 or 20 gauge, semi-auto or double-barrel. • Ammo: Steel or bismuth shot ( to ), 32–36 grams. 🔹 Strategy: • Position yourself downwind of feeding zones. • Use minimal calling—Moroccan ducks respond better to silence or soft quacks. • Avoid over-shooting early flocks; let birds settle into a pattern. --- 🪶 Pass Shooting Along Flyways Used in open terrain or near river corridors, especially in Tadla and Meknes regions. 🔹 How It Works: • Hunters set up along known flight paths between roosting and feeding areas. • No decoys or blinds—just natural concealment and timing. • Shots are taken at birds passing overhead or crossing at angles. 🔹 Best Locations: • Irrigation canals in Tadla • River edges near Benslimane • Open fields bordering marshes 🔹 Strategy: • Scout flight paths the evening before. • Use terrain features (trees, ridges) to funnel birds. • Time your shots—don’t rush the first pass. --- 🪺 Decoy Hunting (Growing in Popularity) Still rare in Morocco but gaining traction in private concessions like River Camp and Widiane Chasse. 🔹 How It Works: • Hunters place 6–12 floating decoys in shallow water or near reed edges. • Use basic calling (mallard hen quacks, feeding chuckles). • Birds circle and land into the spread—shots taken on final approach. 🔹 Setup: • Lightweight plastic decoys or hand-carved wood • Simple camo blind or natural cover • Calling: single-reed mallard call or whistle 🔹 Strategy: • Keep decoys spaced—avoid tight clusters. • Use motion (jerk string or ripple decoy) to simulate feeding. • Shoot birds as they commit, not on the swing. --- 🐾 Dog-Assisted Marsh Hunts Used in deeper wetlands and reed beds, especially in Merja Zerga and Souss-Massa. 🔹 Dog Breeds Commonly Used: • Labrador Retriever: Strong swimmers, excellent for retrieving in open water. • German Shorthaired Pointer: Used for flushing ducks from cover. • Local Moroccan Mixes: Hardy, adaptable, often trained by rural hunters. 🔹 How It Works: • Dogs flush ducks from dense reeds or retrieve downed birds from water. • Hunters walk marsh edges or shoot from blinds. • Dogs work silently and respond to hand signals or whistles. 🔹 Strategy: • Train dogs to avoid chasing live birds—focus on retrieval. • Use waterproof vests and GPS collars in thick cover. • Rotate dogs during multi-day hunts to avoid fatigue. --- 🧭 Regional Differences in Duck Hunting 🏞️ Merja Zerga Lagoon (Kenitra) • Method: Morning flight + dog work • Terrain: Dense reeds, tidal flats • Strategy: Hunt from natural blinds; use dogs for retrieval 🏞️ Souss-Massa National Park (Agadir) • Method: Pass shooting + walk-and-wait • Terrain: Coastal lagoons, estuaries • Strategy: Hunt near feeding zones; minimal calling 🏞️ River Camp Morocco (Benslimane, Meknes, Middle Atlas) • Method: Decoy hunting + morning flight • Terrain: Lakes, rivers, grain fields • Strategy: Use professional guides and trained dogs 🏞️ Tadla Plains & Azilal Wetlands • Method: Pass shooting + solo walk-and-flush • Terrain: Irrigation canals, marsh edges • Strategy: Scout flyways; hunt solo or in pairs --- 🧾 Final Gear Checklist • Shotgun: 12 or 20 gauge, semi-auto preferred • Ammo: Steel or bismuth shot (–), 32–36g • Clothing: Waterproof jacket, camo layers, waders • Accessories: Decoys, calls, shell pouch, dog gear • Dogs: Trained retriever or pointer (optional but recommended) Duck hunting in Morocco is shaped by terrain, tradition, and timing. It’s not about volume—it’s about knowing your flyways, reading the wind, and reacting fast. Whether you’re calling mallards into a quiet pond or intercepting teal over a tidal lagoon, the methods here are real, refined, and rewarding. ❓ FAQ – Duck Hunting Methods in Morocco 1. What is the most common duck hunting technique in Morocco? The most widely used method is morning flight shooting, where hunters set up before dawn near feeding areas and shoot ducks as they fly overhead. It’s especially effective in marshes and lagoons like Merja Zerga and River Camp. 2. Can I use decoys and calls while duck hunting in Morocco? Yes. While decoy hunting is less common than pass shooting, it’s growing in popularity in private concessions. Mallards respond well to spread and soft calling, especially in quieter areas. Expect better results during late season when birds are pressured. 3. Are dogs used for duck hunting in Morocco? Absolutely. Dogs play a key role, especially for retrieval in wet areas. Labrador Retrievers are preferred for water retrieves, while German Shorthaired Pointers and local Moroccan mixes help flush birds from reeds and thick cover. 4. How does duck hunting differ between regions? • In Merja Zerga Lagoon, expect dense reeds and tidal flats—perfect for dog-assisted hunts.