Practice good huckleberry foraging this summer

COEUR d’ALENE — As huckleberries begin to ripen on the Idaho Panhandle, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests shares tips for foraging Idaho’s state fruit legally, courteously and safely.

Forage for personal use only. Huckleberries may be harvested for personal use anywhere on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests unless specifically prohibited. Commercial gathering on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is not permitted. Picking huckleberries with the intent to sell them is considered commercial use.

Pick by hand. Gathering methods vary, but foragers are strongly encouraged not to use rakes or other mechanical methods that may damage the plants. Handpicking ensures that berries aren’t foraged before they’re ripe, increasing the overall yield of ripe fruit. It is illegal to damage or remove huckleberry bushes. Huckleberry bushes can be outcompeted by other plants, so if they’re removed they may never come back.

Harvest what you’ll eat. There are plenty of bears and other humans who would appreciate any berries foragers can leave unharvested. We encourage foragers to not let any berries go to waste.

Be bear-aware. Bears and humans are both attracted to huckleberry hotspots. To help avoid a bear encounter, make plenty of noise and keep dogs leashed. In case of an encounter with an aggressive bear, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Follow the food storage order in the Bonners Ferry, Priest Lake and Sandpoint areas.

Stay on National Forest land. Forest boundaries can become a “checkerboard” with private land in some areas. Use a forest map to ensure you’re foraging on public land.

Avoid being the cause of wildfire. Put all fires dead out, and ensure vehicles are well-maintained and engines are equipped with spark arrestors. Be aware of where you park. Hot exhausts and oil pans can turn tall, dry vegetation into burning tinder.

Leave no trace. In addition to avoiding damage to huckleberry bushes, avoid leaving behind any litter. Leave no trace by spreading out and not wearing new trails into the landscape. Easy-to-access foraging areas can become overwhelmed. We encourage foragers to seek unimpacted sites rather than following the crowd.

Practice general outdoors safety. Always inform someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Many areas of the forest have little or no cell service. Plan your route in advance.