Hobbies And Interests
Locations
Mushroom hunting is illegal on many public lands, but some allow it. At least four state parks permit it with a five-pound limit per person per day: Mount Tamalpais State Park, Salt Point State Park, Samuel P. Taylor State Park and Tomalas Bay State Park. Most national forests allow mushroom hunting with a permit that can be obtained at the forest's headquarters. Some National Parks and Bureau of Land Management areas also allow it, but not all.
Season
The mushroom-hunting season begins in the fall. The drier the summer, the later the season will begin. Different varieties of mushrooms manifest themselves at different times during the fall, winter and spring.
Types
The most popular varieties sought by Bay Area mushroom hunters are chanterelle and porcini. Other popular ones are morel, blewit and shaggy mane.
Safety
It is important that mushroom hunters be able to distinguish edible mushrooms from poisonous ones. Accidental poisonings, some fatal, occur every year. Hunters must avoid myths and old wives' tales that claim to tell when a mushroom is dangerous; the only safe way is to accurately identify its species.
Societies and Events
The community of mushroom hunters in the Bay Area is large and active. There are several mycological (mushroom-studying) societies which provide resources and education. The Mycological Society of San Francisco hosts an annual Fungus Fair featuring products, cooking demonstrations and expert talks.