Oregon is at the Northwest of the continental of U.S.A. Its wet climate prospers the growth the most deliciously demand mushroom that attract hunter all over. Along the coastal mountain range where rainfall can exceed 80 inches encourage many species of mushroom sprout. One of the most detectable, and easiest to identify safely is the Chanterelle.
During my first hunt in 2001, I went out with couple of amateurs’ hunters with the intent to just ‘check it out’, I was captivated ever since. And Chanterelle is one of my favorite. Chanterelles are thought to be a mycorrhizal fungus, which it maintains a symbiotic relationship with other plants, hence, it provides clues to locate it down. In Oregon, the pacific golden chanterelle has a mycorrhizal relationship with Douglas fir trees, and there are abundant along the Oregon coast, hunters always focus on Douglas fir forest, and never find disappointment.
The best seasons for Chanterelle is from late summer through late fall, and October and November are the prime months to hunting. However, their presence depends upon rain. The most productive time to look for chanterelle is the period following a steady pouring rainfall; they will continue to show up until the temperatures drop to the freezing level. During the fall season, the alder trees which are often found with Douglas fir, turn color and blanket the forest with bright yellow leaves. The pacific golden chanterelles are slightly more orange and gold colored then these leaves. It’s challenging to identify and exciting when you flip over the blanket and find these beautiful golden species beneath the leaves.
The thrilling part of the hunt is when you do not see any sign of the target. Chanterelles sometimes do compel their growth manner rising through thick moss and other forest debris and pushing against thick downed branches and twigs. Hunters have to scan the area systematically and hunt for a small flash of bright gold ones. If you are lucky, you will spot a bunch standing alone and distinct. Once found, get a clean knife and cut the stalk close to the forest floor, do not dig out the root, leave it to re-germinate and re-grow for the next season.
