Equipment for Mushroom-Collection-Basic Necessities
- Basket, pail, box or paper bag: In order to get your mushrooms home in good condition, you should have a rigid container to carry them in. A shallow basket is best.
- Knife: A knife is necessary for digging up the entire mushroom for identification purposes and cutting mushrooms you want to eat.
- Insect repellent: No explanation necessary.
- Roll of wax paper, wax paper bags, or small paper bags: Wrapping mushrooms in wax paper or small bags keeps them separated and helps protect them from being crushed. Never use plastic bags for this purpose except for short periods as they don’t give the fungi enough ventilation.
- Compass: Indispensable if you become separated from a foray group or you venture into new woods alone.
- Whistle: A whistle carries farther than yelling when you are lost.
- Hiking attire: Dress for the weather and the terrain.
- Magnifying glass and field guide: These aid in field identification of mushrooms.
- Notebook and pen: For recording field observations.
- Small containers: For small/delicate mushrooms –anything from small jars to berry baskets can be used.
