How to Collect Chantrelles

Gathering wild chantrelles is a great way to get out in nature and relax.

Things You'll Need

• Basket
• Simple kitchen knife (smooth blade, not cerated)
• Hiking wear for the forest (hat, sunglasses, sleeves, etc)

Instructions

1. Study up on Chantrelles and look-alikes. Do this at home the week prior. Give yourself time to read, re-read, and dog-tag pages with relevant photos. If you're in North America, I recommend the National Audubon Society's guide because it is so comprehensive. If you choose a different guide, be sure it is local enough, or they won't consider potential look-alikes relevant to your area.
   If you feel intimidated, many community colleges offer simple classes with group outings.

2. Find an area. This is hard to do with out some feedback from locals. If you're completely clueless, ask around. Ask everyone. Someone will, eventually, say something like "...i've heard people do it over in the hills by..." That's what you're looking for. Librarians and police officers can be good people to ask; hiking and serious cycling shops can be good places to try.

3. Get a map. Try hiking shops. Trail maps are nice, but you won't stay on the trails the whole way. Compasses can be a good precaution.

4. Go on a Saturday morning, and watch from other people. If it's a good area, you'll probably notice a single Russian or someone out of place. You're onto the right place.