Mushroom hunting season is underway in Colorado! The particularly wet spring and summer here promises a successful mushroom hunt. Time off for me now consists of looking for Boletes, Chantrelles and Hawks Wings.
Mushrooms were what first opened my curiosity into wild edibles when I found bags and bags of morels in Eastern Nebraska with a close friend. We later enjoyed them the evening we found them reminiscing on how much fun it was to find these things.
After moving to Colorado I forgot about mushroom hunting until a friend of my brothers, an avid mushroom hunter, invited us for a foray on the mountain. That year I learned the aforementioned three mushrooms and have maintained my curiosity year after year. Which bring me to my first tip:
Be curious. Are you genuinely interested in learning how to identify mushrooms? This curiosity is necessary to learn the unique details in mushroom identification. I learn something new every year!
Find a person or group who are mushroom hunters. For me, and I suspect for most people, I believe the best way to learn something is by learning from someone who knows more than you on the subject. Don’t know anyone personally who mushroom hunts? Get on the interwebs and find a mushroom hunting group in your area. Ask to join the next mushroom foray.
On to gear and safety. There’s lots of stuff you could have but for the complete beginner, I suggest buying a few ID books for your region and general ones, a good knife, a basket, and appropriate wear for the mountain (waterproof boots and rain jacket). Also, keep in mind that you’re on the mountain and it could be easy to get lost. Be aware of your surroundings. The book, All The Rain Promises and More suggests a compass which is a great idea for newbs and seasoned mushroom hunters.
Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Whenever I see a new plant or mushroom that I’m unfamiliar with, I take a picture. I try to get a good picture with the underside of the cap along with the stalk and cap. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be edible it’s good to know what’s out there and have confidence in identifying most mushrooms out there.
Be 110% on your identification. There are look-a-likes for many edible mushrooms and also poisonous varieties within some edibles groups. Don’t let this scare you though. These turn out to be obvious as long as you do your research.
So you are confident what you found is edible? Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Make a pizza, some pasta sauce, dry them for the colder months - do whatever you want with them but USE THEM. Mushroom hunting is rewarding past time that only comes one time of year.
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