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Huckleberry picking on the Idaho Panhandle
National Forests |
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August 4, 2016 |
It is huckleberry season, and the folks at Idaho
Panhandle National Forests have some words of
advice, caution, and recommendations for us. The
Idaho Panhandle National Forests is reminding
huckleberry pickers that commercial picking of
huckleberries is not permitted. Picking
huckleberries with the intent to sell them is
considered commercial gathering.
In order to provide plentiful opportunities for
recreational huckleberry, the forest does not
issue commercial permits. Minimum fines for
commercial picking start at $250, and can
increase based on the severity of the offense.
Recreational huckleberry pickers are encouraged
to pick only what they can consume so that
others may enjoy the fun of picking and the
delicious taste of our state fruit.
Methods for huckleberry gathering vary widely,
but pickers are strongly encouraged to hand pick
their berries. This ensures that the bushes are
not damaged and only ripe berries are harvested.
We want our huckleberry bushes to remain healthy
and productive for many years to come! Any
methods that damage or destroy the bushes are
illegal and may result in a fine for damaging
natural resources.
Huckleberries are delicious favorites of both
people and bears. Because bears love
huckleberries and make them a major source of
nourishment, huckleberry pickers should always
carry bear spray and be bear aware when picking.
The huckleberry was designated by the Idaho
Legislature in 2000 as the official state fruit.
Huckleberries freeze well and can provide a very
healthy addition to your diet all year long. For
more information about huckleberry picking on
the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, please
contact your local Forest Service office. |
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