National Mushroom Hunting Day

May 17th shines the spotlight on a springtime treasure hunt that, if you're lucky, yields a tasty treat to eat and possibly a pretty penny in your pocketbook!

National Mushroom Hunting Day was dedicated for mushroom lovers, chefs of high-end restaurants and fans of the great outdoors activities as well. Whether you're a mushroom lover, a chef in an upscale restaurant, or a lover of the great outdoors, it's National Mushroom Day, an annual holiday created by freelance writer and Mushroom lover, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway.

History of National Mushroom Hunting Day

All have been known to hunt for wild mushrooms in locations such as forests, woodlands, orchards, and fields. For some, mushroom hunting is an annual tradition, and for others, it's even a profession. Mushroom hunting also has other names such as mushroom hunting, mushroom picking or simply making mushrooms.

Many safe mushrooms look similar to those that don't. When hunting mushrooms, it is imperative to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms, and above all, ensure safety. Beginners hunting can use a field guide or phone app to help them identify, or can go hunting with a seasoned hunter who knows where and when to look for mushrooms. Which mushrooms are edible? Some of the commonly hunted wild edible mushrooms are cat mushrooms, black lilies, porcini mushrooms (including the much sought after lion mushrooms), matsutake mushrooms, chanterelle mushrooms, pine mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, puff mushrooms, polycystic mushrooms, and sulfur shelves, also known as mushroom chickens or wild chickens. Hunters find these and other wild edible mushrooms on National Mushroom Hunting Day!

Each year, hordes of hunters aggressively advance to undisclosed locations in forests, woodlands, orchards and/or fields equipped with containers to capture their delectable and elusive prey - wild mushrooms. From pigeons, porcini and black trumpets to pies and chanterelles, foraging for mushrooms has become an annual tradition for many. For some, it can be a lucrative business. In fact, some people even do it on a professional basis.

Some interesting tips for Mushroom Hunting

• If you are new to mushroom hunting, the first thing you need to know is which mushrooms are safe to consume. You can go with an experienced hunter.
• Bring a guide to the mushroom field. Always err on the side of caution. If you don't know what it is, don't choose it!
• Know your tree in your old forest.
• Dress appropriately and apply sunscreen.
• Bring plenty of water.
• Bring a charged cell phone and/or compass or GPS.
• Get knowledge about the rules of the land in order to prevent from trespassing!
• Bring a walking stick
• If Fido is with you, be aware that some mushrooms can be harmful to dogs.
• Pack a lot of patience.
• Once you know what to look for and prepare properly, finding mushrooms can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt or a needle in a haystack. But once you've located a prime location, keep it a secret.
• Keep your eyes always open and be careful with each step.
• If you find a mushroom, you will probably find much more in the same area.
• Don't pull mushrooms out of the ground!
• And of course, you'll need a crate to carry all those mushrooms, in case you hit the jackpot. Some experienced hunters suggest we should bring woven baskets or mesh bags. Plastic bags are not recommended.
• Remember to check yourself for ticks when you return!
• Learn how to clean and prepare those delicious dishes.

How to celebrate National Mushroom Hunting Day

Celebrate National Mushroom Hunting Day by hunting mushrooms! Since there are many poisonous and inedible mushrooms, make sure you know what you're looking for before heading out. Some books like 100 Types of Edible Mushrooms, The Complete Mushroom Hunter, and The National Audubon Society's North American Mushroom Field Guide may be helpful for preparation and fieldwork. Downloading a mushroom identification app such as Roger's Mushroom App is another way to make sure you're ready to go hunting. You may also want to get a bucket to put your mushrooms in. The best choice is woven baskets or mesh bags. After you collect your mushrooms, it's time to cook them! Pick up a cookbook or two or look up some wild mushroom recipes online, many of which are recipes.