Morocco is loved by those looking for turtle dove hunting in an authentic setting: arid steppes and fertile farmland under the North African sun, only a few hours' flight from Italy.
Tourist hunting is organised by companies approved by the Moroccan forest authority, which manage leased lots of land: this is why a foreign hunter almost always hunts through a local agency, accompanied by a guide. According to an industry source, about 3,000 foreign hunters come each year, mainly from France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Turtle dove is hunted in summer: for tourists the calendar normally follows the summer season, with days from Friday to Monday and from fixed points. On Wildoora you will find a turtle dove package organised by a local agency, with hunting permit and licence, gun rental, full board and an accompanying game warden.
Morocco is not in the European Union: below you will find documents, guns, cartridges, dogs and the return to Italy, with due caution, because the rules (and the bag limit) change from year to year.
The published package covers the summer months, from July to early September. Industry sources indicate a summer season for turtle dove (from June-July to August) with dates that vary by region and from year to year, and tourist days from Friday to Monday. The local calendar changes: the agency confirms the dates.
Morocco is not in the European Union. Italian citizens normally do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days, but you need a passport (an ID card is not enough) and many sources recommend a few months of remaining validity after your return. Check the current requirements on the Italian Foreign Ministry's Viaggiare Sicuri website.
If you bring your own gun you need the Moroccan import permit, which the agency normally obtains; transporting the gun remains the hunter's responsibility. The published package includes gun rental, which avoids most of the bureaucracy and the problems of air transport, one of the obstacles reported by industry operators.
An industry guide (2012) mentioned up to two smoothbore guns, 12 or 20 gauge, with rifled barrels not allowed: these are dated indications, to be confirmed with the agency. Cartridges are normally bought locally and are not included in the package; we did not find an official source on quantity limits.
To bring a dog into Morocco you need an official health certificate issued by an official vet in the country of departure, on a specific template, signed within 24 hours before departure; on arrival the dog is presented to the veterinary check and declared to customs.
Morocco is not an EU "listed" country: to return with your dog you need a rabies antibody titration test, taken in Europe before departure (at least 30 days after the vaccine). If the test or a booster is done in Morocco, the return requires a three-month wait. For turtle dove hunting a dog is usually not needed: consider whether it is worth it.
Turtle dove is hunted in summer, from fixed points, and the rules are precise. Sources indicate that tourist hunters may hunt from Friday to Monday only on land leased to tourist hunting companies or associations; hunting at night and with live decoys or bait is prohibited.
The daily bag limit is set by an annual decree: it was 50 turtle doves per hunter and, according to a 2024 source, was reduced to 40 from summer 2024. The authorities have penalised cases of birds shot over the quota, so checks are serious: confirm it with the agency. In the south the hunting area can be near Taroudant, but the location depends on the organiser and on the migration.
Morocco is outside the EU: European rules forbid travellers from bringing meat or meat products from third countries (with a few exceptions that do not concern Morocco). Turtle doves shot, therefore, normally cannot be brought to Italy in your luggage; the package includes possession of the game, which you can eat locally according to the agency's instructions.
For any trophies or other products, ask the agency before booking which documents are needed on return.
Morocco is a few hours' flight from Italy, with frequent connections; the currency is the dirham. The published package does not include flights or airport transfers, while full board and accommodation are included.
In summer it is very hot, especially at midday: light breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water; also bring comfortable shoes for arid ground.
It depends on the species and on the local hunting calendar. In the published packages the period is from July to early September; the agency confirms the exact days when it replies to your request.
You need a document valid for travel abroad (Morocco is not in the European Union). A valid hunting licence is also required: the agency explains what to prepare.
Yes, with the required transport documents (including the European Firearms Pass). Ask the agency for the up-to-date instructions and whether rental is available.
Choose the package and send your booking request. There is no online payment: the agency contacts you directly to confirm dates, details and conditions.
Normally not: EU rules forbid travellers from bringing meat from non-EU countries such as Morocco. Ask the agency how to handle the birds shot.
It is set every year by decree: it was 50 turtle doves per hunter and, according to a 2024 source, dropped to 40. Confirm it with the agency before departing.
Yes: you need a passport, an ID card is not enough. For tourist stays Italians normally do not need a visa for up to 90 days, but check the current requirements.
Entry requires an official health certificate; to return to the EU you need a rabies antibody titration test taken in Europe before departure, because Morocco is not a listed country.
Normally locally, through the agency, and they are not included in the package. Sources indicate the gun can be rented, so you do not have to handle gun transport.