Bitterroot National Forest in West-Central Montana

The Bitterroot National Forest Service, located primarily in west-central Montana, allows for personal and commercial mushroom harvesting opportunities for interested mushroom pickers. Bitterroot National Forest requires all mushroom pickers to obtain a mushroom harvesting permit. The type of permit depends on whether you are picking mushrooms for personal or commercial use.

Personal Use Mushroom Permits

All personal use mushroom harvesters must stop by a Bitterroot Forest Office in order to obtain a Forest Product Free Use Permit (Form FS-2400-8) so that they can legally remove mushrooms from the National Forest free of charge. Stop by the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor's Office in Hamilton, Darby, Stevensville, or Sula. Click here for the physical addresses. Once you have obtained a personal use mushroom permit, you will be allowed to pick up to 5 gallons of mushrooms each day, up to 20 gallons total for the duration of the season from designated regions of the National Forest. Personal use mushroom permits cannot be used to harvest mushrooms that will be sold commercially.

Commercial Use Mushroom Permits

Commercial mushroom harvesters must purchase a Commercial Use Mushroom Permit (Form FS-2400-1) from Darby, West Fork or Sula Ranger Districts. The office hours are as follows: (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Monday to Friday. Children aged 12 and above will also need to obtain a permit to harvest mushrooms.

Cost of Commercial Permits

Commercial mushrooms permits are non-refundable, so make sure you know exactly what you want before you obtain a permit. The minimum permit is a 7-day permit, starting at $20, up to $100 for a season mushroom harvesting permit.

Parental Supervision

Children under the age of 18 in possession of a mushroom harvesting permit will have their parent or guardian's name on their permit. A minor's permit should be kept in the parent or guardian's possession at all times. Children must be supervised when they are harvesting, selling or transporting mushrooms for personal or commercial use.

Forest Rules

Individuals should do all they can to preserve the natural habitat and surroundings by following some simple forest rules. Avoid harvesting mushrooms from areas that have already been harvested. Instead, leave some mushrooms for seed and food for the wildlife. Cut mushrooms lengthwise from ground level and only harvest as many mushrooms as you need.

If you plan to harvest mushrooms in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana, for personal or commercial use, make sure you have obtained a permit. Respect your surroundings and only harvest as much as you need.

Source:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/bitterroot/passes/mushrooom/mushroom_guide.pdf