Like hunting game, mushroom pickers should have plan
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Fall is on its way, and with it comes the start of Matsutake mushroom picking season.
The season starts on September 4, and will run for a month.
Authorities say that the pastime can be dangerous.
This year alone, four people have gotten turned around in Southern Oregon while hunting for mushrooms.
Officials say it's important to plan ahead to make sure your day trip doesn't turn into a rescue situation. "Letting somebody know exactly where you're going and exactly when you're going to be back so that, in the event of an emergency, if they get stuck or lost, we have some idea where to start looking for these folks," said Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Dwes Hutson.
Hutson also recommends that people take enough food, water, and clothing to last 72 hours.
He adds that people shouldn't rely on cell phones because they may not get a signal in the remote areas people generally tend to hunt for mushrooms.
Permits for the season can be bought at the Umpqua National Forest District office Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Prices range from $200 for the season, to $24 for a three-day pass.
