Two men were caught with 179 pounds of illegally harvested chanterelle mushrooms in Washington, facing fines after sneaking onto private property.#News #OlympiaWA #Washington #Crime
OLYMPIA, WAMushroom hunting turned costly for two individuals in Washington after state officials seized 179 pounds of illegally harvested chanterelle mushrooms. The pair, who had entered private property without permission, now face legal consequences following their encounter with law enforcement during deer season.
A Routine Patrol Uncovers Illegal Harvesting
The incident unfolded when a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sergeant patrolling for deer season spotted a truck with two men inside. When asked what they were doing, the men explained they were searching for mushrooms. Upon further questioning, they admitted they had entered the property by following another vehicle through a gate.
Initially, the men denied collecting mushrooms, claiming they had none. However, an inspection revealed 179 pounds of chanterelle mushrooms in their possession, all harvested that day.
The Rules for Mushroom Foraging in Washington
In Washington, foragers are typically allowed to collect up to five gallons of mushrooms for personal use from public lands. Any harvesting beyond that amount requires a specialized forest product permit. Commercial mushroom harvesting also requires different permits, depending on the jurisdiction.
The rules vary between federal, state, and municipal lands, making it essential for anyone planning to forage to verify local regulations. Unauthorized harvesting or failure to obtain proper permits can result in fines, as seen in this case.
What Happened to the Seized Mushrooms?
After confiscating the mushrooms, WDFW officials sold them to a buyer, with the proceeds being held by the court. The two individuals were cited for trespassing and failing to obtain a forest products permit before being escorted off the property.
This case underscores the importance of adhering to land use laws and foraging regulations. Mushroom hunters and other foragers are encouraged to do their homework before heading into the field to ensure their activities comply with state and local requirements.
RELATED TOPICS:Crime|Washington
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