Foraging

Foraging for local delicacies, including morel mushrooms and huckleberries, is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. 

The window of opportunity for morel foragers is short, corresponding with the weather warming up (typically at the end of May). When collecting, it’s best to use a mesh bag so as you carry your bounty through the woods, you drop spores along the way for next year's crop. Be educated about what you are picking -- there are poisonous look-alike mushrooms out there as well!

Idaho’s official state berries are ripe for the picking from late July into August, so grab some while hiking the area mountains…or head to local restaurants to sample these delicious huckleberries in everything from pancakes to cocktails. The City of McCall offers information and tips for huckleberry foraging. 

Boise and Payette National Forest News Release

The Boise & Payette National Forest announced the following guidelines for wild mushroom picking within the Forests: 

• Personal Use:  Permits are not required. Harvesters may gather up to 5 gallons of morels or other mushrooms per day for personal use without a permit. There is no age limit on personal use mushroom pickers. Personal use mushrooms may not be sold or bartered to another party.
• Commercial Use:  Commercial Mushroom permits will not be available this year. Due to the limited size of fires in 2020, and access limitations, the Forest is not issuing commercial permits. Buying permits and buying stations will not be permitted to operate on Forest land.