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. --- 📋 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. --- 🗓️ 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. --- 🦌 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 --- 🔫 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 --- 🧾 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 --- 🚫 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 --- 📍 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. --- 💰 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 --- 🧭 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.