Morocco's 2026-2027 Hunting Season Kickoff in Marrakech
On October 2, 2026, Marrakech witnessed the official launch of the 2026-2027 hunting season, an event organized by the National Agency for Water and Forests in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation. This significant occasion was themed "Tourist Hunting in Morocco: Natural Wealth and Sustainable Development," emphasizing the commitment to sustainable management of wildlife resources and the preservation of biodiversity while promoting hunting tourism and valuing natural resources.
The event was presided over by Abdelrahim Houmy, the Director General of the Agency, alongside Ahmed Moussaoui, the President of the Federation. Attendees included stakeholders from various sectors such as industry professionals, representatives from associations, and specialized companies, highlighting the collaborative efforts in the hunting sector.
Abdelrahim Houmy pointed out that the previous hunting season attracted over 65,000 Moroccan hunters and nearly 5,000 tourist hunters. He noted a significant increase in the number of hunting grounds leased, which grew from 1,278 in the 2020-2021 season to 1,737 for 2025-2026, with the area under lease expanding from 3.35 million to almost 4.39 million hectares since the launch of the national strategy "Forests of Morocco 2020-2030." This indicates a robust growth trajectory for the sector.
The figures shared during the event underscore the strengthening partnerships aimed at training hunters, combating poaching, protecting natural habitats, and preserving biodiversity. Currently, about 146 specialized companies are actively involved in promoting hunting tourism in Morocco. There are also initiatives to diversify hunting offers, including the development of archery hunting, which aims to broaden the hunting and tourism options while showcasing the natural riches of rural areas.
The program included a presentation on the management of hunting heritage in the Marrakech-Safi region, discussing its potential for tourism and future development. Additionally, the publication "Iconic Game Species of Morocco," produced by the Agency, was introduced. The contributions of experienced local hunters were acknowledged, celebrating their role in mentoring new hunters and preserving the hunting heritage for future generations.
Moreover, practical workshops on tourist hunting and archery were held, complemented by a field visit to a hunting area managed by a specialized company, providing attendees with firsthand experience of the hunting landscape in Morocco.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
