Never Hunt Alone!!! Common sense.
Ideal numbers of mushroom hunting partners are in the grouping of three to four, plus a medium size dog. And again, common sense, never bring your Chihuahua or Shitshu into the wild wet wood with you, they will be the perfect snack for the coyotes.
You are exposing yourself to the blind dense forest, and it’s easy to get directional disorientation after a few back and forth, left and right turns. Always check in with your partner that they are at the visible and distance. Before out there hunting, you need to have a prep session of communication among the group. Going through the gear checklist and communication method, and always appoint a more experience hunter as the group leader.
Planning and preparation.
Learn how to use a compass and a map or GPS. Thoroughly review a map and other guidebooks of the area. Learn about the trails, streams, mountains, nearby roads and other features around the area. Tell someone of your plans and the time that you expect to return.
Pack the proper equipment and supplies. Carry essential items in your pockets for use in an emergency. Sign in on trailhead registers and stick to your planned route.
When you are in the wilderness always use a map and compass. Stop occasionally and always pay attention to landmarks as you go deeper. Be aware of your surroundings.
If you do get lost, stay calm. Do not panic. S.T.O.P. (stop, think, observe and plan). Try to return to a familiar location if within a reasonable distance. Do not go too far off your original route. If still lost, stay put. Rescuer will most likely find you within 24 hours. Blow your whistle to signal that you are in trouble and you need assistance.
Stay warm and dry. Put on extra clothing to avoid hypothermia. Build a fire to keep warm and to help with your rescue. Drink plenty of water. Do not let yourself get dehydrated. Purify the water from natural resources. Seek some sort of shelter for protection and comfort. Eat foods to keep your energy. Some berries, plants and insects can be eaten safely. Learn which ones by making this part of your trip planning and preparation. If injured, first aid should be administered as necessary.
Know your Mushroom. Some mushroom are very identical, but only one can be edible, and the other could be the poisonous and fatal one. Stick to the mushroom species that you know perfectly well. ‘This might be…’ never exist. Never guess.
Happy Hunting!
