HIBAPRESS-RABAT
The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) announces the official opening of the 2024-2025 hunting season, which was held on October 6 in generally satisfactory conditions. Thanks to the mobilization of ANEF and its partners, this first day was marked by reinforced vigilance, both in terms of surveillance and awareness-raising, thus guaranteeing the control of samples and an active fight against poaching.
The first statistics collected show a national average of 1.8 partridges per hunter, with notable regional variations. The Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region records an average of 3 partridges per hunter, while the Oriental region displays an average of 1.2 partridges per hunter. These results, slightly higher than the average of last season (1.68 units per hunter), reflect the effectiveness of the actions undertaken to mitigate the effects of the drought which hit the national territory, and represent an encouraging sign for the rest of the season.
To guarantee the smooth running of the season, ANEF has deployed a rigorous monitoring system. Strategic checkpoints were set up under the supervision of the competent public prosecutors, with the support of hunting associations and security services. Surveillance tours were also carried out by ANEF technicians and engineers. This coordination made it possible to identify several offenses in various regions of the Kingdom, thus confirming the effectiveness of the system based on three axes: surveillance, awareness and repression.
During an awareness day preceding the opening, Mr. Houmy Abderrahim, Director General of ANEF, recalled: “The fight against poaching is an absolute priority for this hunting season.” He underlined the importance of cooperation with partners such as the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation, hunting associations and security services to ensure compliance with the regulations in force.
This increased vigilance has made it possible to draw up several reports for various infractions. Among these, there are cases of night hunting in Moulay Yacoub and Khénifra, as well as offenses linked to hunting without a license or without authorization from tenants in the regions of Rhamna, Meknes-El Hajeb, and Al Haouz. Offenses for non-presentation of hunting documents were also noted in Taza, Taroudant, Taounate, and Chichaoua.
Unfortunately, this first day was also overshadowed by several incidents. Four accidents were reported, notably in Benslimane where a hunter was injured in the head and arm, and in Driouch where another was the victim of an accident with his own rifle. In Tiznit, a tout was seriously injured in the stomach and chest by an accidental shot. Finally, a tragic incident occurred in Tahnaout, where a hunter, while cleaning his weapon at home, accidentally killed a young girl in his family by omitting a cartridge in his rifle.
ANEF expresses its deep sadness at these regrettable incidents and calls on all hunters to be extra vigilant, both in the field and in the handling of their weapons. Safety must be a top priority.
ANEF reaffirms its commitment to protecting ecosystems and strengthening actions to combat poaching. She urges all stakeholders in the hunting sector to continue their efforts to ensure a safe, ethical and environmentally friendly hunting season.
