“Harvesting Chaga Mushrooms”

[@dantefede]

If you are planning to harvest chaga, be aware that you might put this unique mushroom at risk of extinction. Only harvest half of the mushroom and read the "Chaga and the wild harvesting dilemma" article.

[@StyNorth]

+dantefede thanks for the comment! I have read the article and totally agree that over harvesting would be a grave mistake! I state in my video that the tree from which I harvested had two very large Chaga growing on it, and I harvested one. I never take Chaga if it's the only one on a particular tree. However, I must make my position clear, other than over harvesting (due to commercial interests) is only part of the problem, the other being the logging of mature birch. I have seen hundreds of acres of mature birch logged and after many years very little grew to replace what was taken. I do personally do not agree that Chaga is currently at risk of extinction (the science just isn't there for me) but I also am a strong believer in being responsible with our resources and only harvesting enough for your personal use. Very good points and again thank you for your comment! You have a nice day!

[@dantefede]

+Sty North Thank you for taking time to answer to my post!

[@TemplePriestess]

dantefede Yes, I also heard it's best to leave some of the chaga on the tree to grow back in the same place where you found it, to b ver take it off the tree completely. Thank you for sharing the name of that article. 👍🏽

[@TemplePriestess]

*never take it off the tree completely*

[@dhkenny2001]

Ok say u wanted to sell some of what you found do you a permit or anything i am in vermont i have found a large amount of chaga

[@davidleasure9138]

Awesome find. Thanks for sharing. Will be waiting on the processing and tea making. Thank you Sty

[@CalvinsCorner72]

I need some of this stuff. Wow it’s a miracle material. I think the comment you said caused the reaction comments. You said I’m gonna harvest as much as I can. That’s what got them all torn up I believe. Congratulations on the awesome amount of views.

[@StyNorth]

Could be !? If they paid attention to my statements, I left a very large Chaga on the tree I did the demo on. "As much as I can" means, as much as I can reasonably harvest without over harvesting. I'm glad that the video has drawn this much attention and gets a lot of discussion, I just wish people would watch the whole video and not jump to the "your wrong" position so quickly. Say Calvin, I have your address and I'm going to send you a nice sample to try out my friend! I should get it shipped out to you with in a week so watch for it :-) I don't sell chaga but willing to share with the right folks! Thanks so much for watching and you take care! ATB Sty

[@CalvinsCorner72]

Sty North your very kind. I would love this. Thanks so much. Yes I’m afraid you know how it goes with most people they watch the first two to three minutes and determine their comments on that part alone. So being that you stated that early in the first part of the video that’s what I’m thinking is happening. God bless you Sty. Thanks again. I owe you.

[@lilbuckaroo2]

Hi Sty! That is some incredibly beautiful pieces you found there! Wow! By the size of them, they must be about 20+ yrs old... From the studying & books I've been reading about Chaga, they say that when hunting, we must not take the entire piece off the tree as this could kill the tree..

[@StyNorth]

I’ve seen conflicting information on the issue of Chaga and the health of the tree. I always leave approximately a half inch of Chaga throughout the area I remove it from and also if there are more than one piece on a tree I will only take one and leave the rest. Better safe than sorry :-) The largest piece of Chaga I’ve found was 26 lbs 4 oz’s, and I left 3 pieces on that tree that must have been 30 plus lbs collectively. I never share my favorite Chaga areas with others in fear that it will get over harvested. Thanks so much for watching and your comment! ATB Sty

[@naturenut38]

its best to leave a bit of the chaga on the tree where you harvested it.

[@nighthawk6663]

Why

[@naturenut38]

It will grow back eventually.

[@hardwatercamper]

Agreed

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Awesome video

[@gogebicrangewildcraftbushc3336]

Yes! Your right Sty to keep the black parts. I use a new paintbrush to clean mine off.

[@timothylongmore7325]

Hi Sty, hope you survived the winter. I'm near Redfield NY you might have heard about on weather channel. 32 feet of snow. Didn't do much chaga hunting this winter , but have found a lot since my last post. April 20 something and I still can't get to the "big woods". Snow machines are still running the trails. I've learned a lot about chaga this last year , thanks to you and others. I don't know how you can stand the yuppy trolls that scold you for taking to much or harvesting wrong or making chaga extinct. I don't know about you but I've never seen anyone out there when I'm hunting. I might pick one for every ten I find. Some you can't get , some are too small, some you find once and can't find when your picking.

[@Travonous1]

Excellent video and thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@StyNorth]

Thanks for the nice comment and for watching, my friend!

[@johnredman938]

That's mighty small for my neck of the woods. Took a small 8 pounder last week here in Grafton County, New Hampshire.

[@gogebicrangewildcraftbushc3336]

Woah! That's guge

[@gogebicrangewildcraftbushc3336]

Huge

[@MoonPhaze5]

Very cool Papa Sty!!! You're so fun to watch. 💞 I think I'm going Chaga hunting this weekend😀 Thank you!

[@StyNorth]

Well you have some good luck on your hunt my friend! Be safe and take care :) Atb Sty

[@kylafranklin4482]

HELL YES!! Awesome video!!! Educational and inspiring! Thank you for posting!!! Magical. And also, I LOVE the music!!!

[@davidgodley521]

I've been making my own chaga tincher for almost two years.

[@oldmanriver1057]

Shouldn't it be harvest in winter? Also shouldn't at least one inch be left on the tree using a saw?

[@StyNorth]

It can be harvested at anytime, but winter is considered the BEST time of year. Since I harvested this piece what was left on the tree, has grown nearly 3 1/2 inches the full diameter of the original piece. It is important to leave enough for it to re-grow, and one inch seems to be a good standard!

[@oldmanriver1057]

@@StyNorth I am disabled and can't walk in the woods and I just had heart surgery and I am recovering and doing better than before and it will be many months before I can walk with a walker outside! I have lost quite a lot of weight while in the hospital before they could do the heart surgery to replace my bad heart valve!

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

Very informative video sty! Chagga really is a wonderful thing. Funny you said it tastes like coffee, I have a friend that puts it in his coffee. 👍

[@bohdaj]

I appreciate very much that you recommend to leave some chaga behind , not to pick all of it {its greed|. Or as the below commentator say ... We should treat especially this precious gift, as well as the whole nature, with respect, thank you.

[@dpm4351]

Thank you Sty , I'm gonna be bringing . I just got some chaga . I want to learn from a master

[@12Ares-Mars-Lucifer-Jehovah12]

lol I think I will check out more of your videos now. Botany is never wrong especially when things will go bottom up for the economy in my prospective.

[@StyNorth]

Thanks for watching! You are absolutely right in my opinion, the more we are able to provide for ourselves the less the economy has a negative impact on us. It's amazing how many natural remedies have been forgotten and how dependent we have become on a little pill in a bottle :-)

[@terryandgunterjaschinsky9135]

Looktothestars j a lot *

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Chahs is good stuff it is. Nice video. Thanks and take care.

[@naturenut38]

The Chaga Mushroom grows almost exclusively on birch trees. Several external pieces of chaga can often be found on just one birch tree. When harvesting chaga, collect only the external pieces and never cut into the tree. Harvest through the fall and winter as long as possible until the sap starts running.

[@StyNorth]

All great advise, Colin! Thanks for your input! Take care my friend! ATB Sty

[@naturenut38]

Your very welcome.

[@mariadi1069]

Are you selling the harvest, please let me know. Thank you.

[@StyNorth]

Sorry, I only harvest enough for myself and my family. Actually I'm getting a bit low and will have to harvest early this year I think.

[@mariadi1069]

Thank you, not sure I have that many opportunities in uk.

[@rossteague2915]

curious about the white fungus you gathered. What did you say it was called? Do you have a link to the art work you make on it?

[@geterdonegranny1639]

Interesting info there Sty!

[@adhikariindia]

Sir how much chaga u drink single day? Since how long u taking.. have noticed any side effects

[@mtstream55n]

Great video and thanks for sharing!

[@shanghunter7697]

16 to 20 pounds of chaga is A LOT for one man to consume over a winter, i figure you must have a VERY large family. Been harvesting it for many yrs up north here and we always leave 25 to 35 % on the tree. Be safe out there brother.

[@StyNorth]

That harvest met the needs of 4 households, 2 of which were quite large (one has 3 adults and 7 kids) for a full year! I personally use approx 5 lbs (harvest weight, not dried) a year for fire making, tea, and tincture. Thanks for viewing my friend and you stay safe also! ATB Sty

[@timothylongmore7325]

You should mind your own business.

[@2coryman]

I like your video a lot, Blessings, Thanks

[@StyNorth]

You are more than welcome my friend!

[@jrnash2003]

Another great video!

[@StyNorth]

+J Ron thanks again for watching!

[@Sylinic]

Great video!

[@StyNorth]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend! ATB Sty

[@Sylinic]

No problem. You're a man I can respect, championing this vital old world knowledge, preserving it for future generations and educating us

[@micheloff-grid4248]

I got a lots here It do have a line .....and that good you used your knife for the not to accurate whit a ax ...you get that line and two tree time whit the ax and it fall ..I stay away from the life tree ...but I think you should harvest it in a cold day of February...that may be why you had so much problem... ..I got lots around the house but ,I go in the forest were today no body go ...check out for the right time to harvest...you may be to early...do you tape the tree? A got hundreds of liter in the freezer...surely good in hay season..or whit the visit ...your video is very well made Sir

[@StyNorth]

Thanks for the comment Michel! I don't tape the tree after harvesting due to making sure not to damage the inner bark of the tree exposing it to infection. Taping does hinder the growth of the Chaga so I would prefer not to tape. Take care my friend! ATB Sty

[@2coryman]

OK Thanks, Questions though: For how long can you store them, and would that be in the refrigerator or freezer? I received the small granules, probable left overs from the bottom of the collection bags, and I like that a lot. I place them in a coffee grinder and drink it as a tea mixed with moringa and tulsi herbs before going to bed at night

[@StyNorth]

Thanks so much for watching! As for how long can you store Chaga, I am under the impression that if it is kept in a cool dark place with very low humidity it will last indefinitely. The trick to it is to keep it away from moisture. Chaga will tend to get a white mold growing on it if it gets exposed to moisture. I keep mine in net bags in a cool room away from sun light. I leave mine in large chunks and process it as I need it. After it is processed I place it in air tight containers. I hope this helped answer your question! Your herbal Chaga tea sounds great! I drink a large cup every morning with cream and honey, then another average size cup in the evening. I consume about 15 to 20 pounds of Caga per year and some people would say that's excessive, but my family history is riddled with cancer, so I do consume more on the average than other users. Thank you again for watching and may you and your's stay safe and blessed! ATB Sty

[@janeto8782]

Stye, It is said Not to add Any Kind of Dairy to Chaga tea, as it negates medicinal value. Could add almond milk, coconut milk... anything Non-Dairy.

[@timothylongmore7325]

Hey Sty , great video. I'm new to chaga but I heard on another video that it will grow on any sweet sap tree. Do you know if this is true. In my area (north central ny) we don't have alot of big white birch. I think there river birch? Fairly small and grow in clumps often times. We have a lot of maple, walnut, and yellow birch though. I know I've seen it before but can't remember where. Can't wait to watch some more of your work. Liked and subbed brother.

[@StyNorth]

Timothy, it seems to be quite common on yellow birch in our area. I have heard that chaga grows on other sweet sapped trees but I haven't seen any myself. The majority of the chaga I find and harvest comes off of white birch of all sizes but the best grows on the mature trees. Good luck on your chaga hunting my friend! ATB Sty

[@timothylongmore7325]

Thanks for the reply. I went out after my last post and found some large white birch. No chaga on them but found some on a yellow. Enough to last me awhile. Gotta watch your tea in the lean-to now. ATB

[@sasquatchlifenotrace8024]

Great Video! Tho a bit of wind. Planning on gathering a little for personal use, concerned about harming the trees, but I'll take my time with it. Is it ok to harvest Chaga from dead/rotting trees? Keep up the good fight

[@StyNorth]

Chaga draws its nutrients from the tree so it stands to reason that Chaga from a dead tree will lose some of its potency. The Chaga eventually dies off on a dead tree! As long as you don't cut into the wood fiber you won't hurt the tree, leaving some Chaga behind is good because it will grow back in most cases! Thanks for the comment, great questions that I should have covered in the video!

[@sasquatchlifenotrace8024]

Thank you for the quick response. I had already planned on leaving nice portions of any Chaga I harvest, in hopes that it will continue to grow. The Birch is my favorite tree, I wish there were more in my area. Keep making those great videos

[@StyNorth]

I love Birch too, it is one of the great trees for sure! Thanks again for watching :)

[@gogebicrangewildcraftbushc3336]

Dont take chaga from dead down trees. No good, also it could have water born illness bacteria on it. From standing water in spring etc...with animal feces. Dont use any chaga on ground trees. Use those for fire starting instead❤

[@svenliljedahl4308]

Thank you so much.

[@StyNorth]

You are more than welcome! ATB Sty

[@McCoysOakHillFarm]

Come back to MN and we can go chaga 'hunting" :) I think my birch trees are too young yet.

[@danielremy8725]

just wondering ..which forest where you in ..when you harvested this chaga.... this is all new to me...

[@StyNorth]

Daniel we are located in Northern Wisconsin along the Lake Superior southern coast! We a fortunate enough to have huge tracts of private and public lands to explore! We are very selective in harvesting Chaga to ensure that there will always be a good supply into the future, but with the thousands of acres of land we harvest from it's pretty safe to say there will be Chaga for may generations to come! Thanks for the comment and, You have a nice day!

[@danielremy8725]

+Sty North. hey. Sty. do you sell the chaga you harvested online..

[@StyNorth]

Actually Daniel, I don't sell Chaga, I only harvest enough for my personal use. However, it is available on Amazon and Ebay if you would like to purchase some!

[@danielremy8725]

+Sty North . thanks for the video and the reply back.. you've been very informative. .

[@BrokenSofa]

+Daniel Remy what's with all the ... ? It makes you come off as sarcastic

[@edwardlabelle6545]

can chaga be harvested any time of the year and still get the full benefit of it?

[@ttwads-up3452]

thank you now i need to try some,lol-yum

[@StyNorth]

Hope you enjoy! Thanks for watching my friend! ATB Sty

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

This is new to me does it grow in South Texas

[@StyNorth]

Sorry, it grows on Birch in the Northern Hemisphere :) It needs long below freezing temps for extended periods of time to be able to grow well.

[@gastondeveaux3783]

The best way chaga would help diabetes would be to have people walking in the woods every day looking for it, or just walking, for an hour or so.

[@suzannefurman3957]

Nope. Chaga tincture lowers blood sugar period. I'm diabetic and use both Chaga and maitake tinctures to help lower blood sugar. I also use Kudzu tincture by Red Moon Herbs

[@sasarendless5012]

hi its owen thanks for the chaga

[@StyNorth]

Did you guys get to try some at home yet?

[@BrosephRussell]

so awesome

[@StyNorth]

Thanks Joseph, I just love hunting for Chaga cause it's a nice long day of hiking and enjoying the outdoors. It's just to bad that I only do it once or twice a year! Take care my Friend! Sty

[@PeterNordBushcraft]

You're suppose to leave at least 15-20% behind so it can grow back

[@gogebicrangewildcraftbushc3336]

It will grow right back in the same place as long as the tree isnt damaged. It dont need any certain amount left. The spores are already there and it keeps bubbling out each year.

[@TemplePriestess]

Hello Mr. Sry... can you tell me what area you are finding your chaga? I just bought some Land and am curious if it might be found where I am. Thank you 😊

[@StyNorth]

Far northern Wisconsin is where I do my Chaga hunting! Most states and nearly all of Canada with old stands of Birch will have Chaga. I have found that the farther north, the better! ATB Sty

[@wihikers]

From my understanding, chaga should only be harvested in Winter, when it's at it's peak potency. Is it okay to harvest in the Fall?

[@wihikers]

...and as it was mentioned below, LEAVE HALF OF IT ON THE TREE!!

[@kevins5833]

At first I thought it was Si from duck dynasty...

[@StyNorth]

I get that quite often :)

[@sardaracampa1733]

The whole that was left in the tree after the chaga was harvested, will that allow parities to enter the tree and kill it later on? Are we supposed to in some way close the hole we make?

[@wetwoodsman6937]

Sardar Acampa the chaga is and will kill the tree. it is a parasite fingus.

[@nicholasblanchard8080]

I disagree. There is a symbiotic relationship. I would say that it might be easier for other pathogens to enter the host after chaga has been removed leaving open xylem/phloem.it is not a parasite.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

kevin S Me too.

[@iProsPeXx]

I thought you harvest it during the winter when it’s not growing?

[@StyNorth]

It's best when harvested in the winter. The Chaga in this video was harvested in early October and in that year winter came on fast and hard. They say that winter harvest holds the best medicinal properties but I haven't see any real science to prove it one way or another. One concern with harvesting in warmer weather is that the tree is more susceptible to diseases if you happen to cut into the inner bark while harvesting, compared to when it is very cold. I harvest in the late Fall and early Winter, some others harvest in mid-Winter or late Winter. Access to my Chaga grounds is very difficult in the heart of winter and that is the main reason I harvest a little early.

[@jellybutter1113]

Whats the name of the knife your using in this video? thanks

[@StyNorth]

Thanks for asking, Dillon! Here's a link to a video that describes this particular knife kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH3KeKmqab-DY8k Hope it answers your question! ATB Sty

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

I'm Jealous... I would love to have a find like that... I will continue to find me some Chaga... Dennis #CanoehoundAdventures

[@gimmetea5615]

nice!

[@StyNorth]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend! ATB Sty

[@WokeAF-24]

For all you tree huggers who want to complain , keep in mind the man has been doing this his whole life on his private property , keep your complaints/insults to yourself / so you don’t bring others down to your level. someone with his age and experience in nature knows a Lot about life .. more than you could ever learn protesting in some downtown city core

[@MichaelSmathers]

Where can I find microscope images of Chaga Mushroom?

[@StyNorth]

Great question! I've been looking for some with no luck :-( Sorry! ATB Sty

[@tomohawkravenmoon4518]

aww c'mon, we in the adirondacks carry a hatchet on our day-belts, whack whack done.

[@MoonPhaze5]

I have a tendency to nickname people I like 😊, hope you don't mind.

[@StyNorth]

Papa Sty works :) Nicknames is why I never hold my breath, cause sure enough someone would call me Papa Smurf :) Have a good one my friend! Atb Sty

[@MoonPhaze5]

Sty North hahahaha CUTE!! Cheers to you ;) Have a super weekend!

[@antoniopacelli]

You deserved it you wise old man..

[@timothylongmore7325]

Hi Sty , just revisted and red the comments . How can you stand all that yuppie feedback! I'd flip. What a bunch of idiots. I'm going to make a video of cutting down a chaga tree and setting it on fire just to piss them off. Why do people think they know everything?

[@terrysaunders8948]

when is the bast time to harvesting chaga?

[@StyNorth]

I have harvested chaga at all times of the year. It is best to harvest in the winter months because there is less risk of the tree contracting any diseases through any incidental damage to the inner bark when the temps are below freezing. Some folks say the chagas properties are at their peak during the winter, this I have no proof of but it may be sound information. Hope this helped :-) ATB Sty

[@terrysaunders8948]

nice to no thet I have not had chaga I live in maine so i'm going to tay it thank u so much terry from maine

[@7munkee]

Now you must kill a dear on that spot or risk Gaia's wrath.

[@StyNorth]

:-)

[@michaelwinkelsas1580]

deer , not dear

[@WA8QFE]

You'll remember your axes next time ! Lee, Indianapolis

[@StyNorth]

With my short memory I'll most likely forget :)

[@dseednorwayn47]

Found ya channel via nickolas green. I also harvested a bunch of Chaga this autumn. I also got outdoor kinda channel check it out if curious. Subbed btw

[@tung8812]

giá bao một kg nấm chaga

[@OURLITTLEADVENTURES]

I know absolutely 0 about mushrooms lol

[@oldmanriver1057]

It would be nice if you could send me some!

[@ludwigszydlowski9286]

Mr.Sty!can u sale me 2 lb. For medical needs.

[@StyNorth]

Sorry, I don't harvest any for sale :-(

[@eburton55555]

I read that its important to leave about or between 15-30% or so of the chaga so it can continue to grow on the birch... ?

[@StyNorth]

Yes, it is important to leave a portion so it will continue to grow. It will take 2 to 5 years for an average size chaga to recover from harvest. Great observation my friend! ATB Sty

[@andriagreene1252]

Symbiosis? What about cambial die back in the tree?

[@brandonsoutdooradventures374]

Congrats on your retirement

[@craigburke4599]

Over harvesting may spell the end for this interesting fungus.The person in this video took the whole chaga fungus.Only half to three quarters should be taken. A good piece must be left to regenerate.Read;"C haga and the wild harvesting dilemma".

[@mattsloan32]

Or you could have stopped hacking into the tree and left a few centimeters on the trunk to grow back. Most harvesters suggest this.

[@StyNorth]

Actually, it's hard to see on the video but I left at least a half of an inch of chaga throughout the whole area I removed that piece from. Plus on the back of that tree is another chaga that is at least 30% larger than the one I removed, and it's still there today :) I am a strong supporter of chaga conservation and only harvest for my own use, not to sell, and hope people will only take what they need and not destroy what is there. Thanks for the great comment, Matt! ATB Sty

[@mattsloan32]

Thanks for the reply Sty (lol that rhymes). Looking back, my comment does seem a bit harsh. Just a firm believer in only taking what we need and leaving something for the next guy when possible. I do love your vids and agree with most of your ideas about life. Keep them coming!

[@lolitabonita08]

Please ONLY Harvest a small piece, just what u need for your medicinal purposes....leave the other part of the mushroom on the tree...RESPECT nature, nature is an interlinked chain that if humans start harvesting all the chaga the chain will brake...also...other creatures need chaga and other medicinal plants and mother earth will appreciate if you and all of us respect what she has to offer ....

[@StyNorth]

I certainly do respect mother nature! I would love to know the specific creatures that use chaga? It would be interesting to have some facts on the issue so all of us could better understand the relationship between chaga and other living things other than that between Birch Trees or Humans!

[@denisejobeck2909]

I apologize if I offended you. But I do feel taking the entire fungus is not needed. Others will follow you. And you never showed concern to conserving the tree, or any knowledge to how this fungus spreads.

[@StyNorth]

The entire fungus was not taken as I stated! And the method I presented does not damage the tree! The intent of the video was to demonstrate the harvesting and not to address how the fungus spreads. There are many videos related to the subjects you raise by other channels, and I am placing those topics on my future videos list, hope you will catch them in the future :-) ATB Sty

[@gavocrazy]

Look for psilocybe species'! Far more plentiful!

[@StyNorth]

No Thanks, I like to take my trips by car, boat, bus, or plane! "Psilocybe is a genus of gilled mushrooms growing worldwide. This genus is best known for its species withpsychedelic properties. Psilocin and psilocybin are the psychedelic compounds responsible for the psychoactive effects of many species in the genus."

[@gavocrazy]

+Sty North a new mode of transportation!

[@gavocrazy]

+Sty North and they really are safe if your concerned about it, check out the LD50 rates for them!

[@FWCaptain-kv6sm]

pounding your knife into the tree. and removing that Chaga is killing the tree

[@janeto8782]

@mojokiss, Which is why you should cut it straight down & NEVER dig into the tree...Be Conscientious & harvest RESPONSIBLY!!!

[@canaan248]

I find it very upsetting that he doesn't mention the fact that chaga is a very slow growing mushroom and that over harvesting is putting it at risk of extinction. Popularizing this mushroom will only endanger it further. There are other mushrooms that can be cultivated with much the same benefits. Be responsible and do your homework. Wouldn't you rather grow your own?

[@billsmith-rq7ki]

Jesus, get off your couch and get in the woods, you'll see that it is not going extinct. If that were the case they could make it illegal to harvest on state or federal lands on a commercial basis. He takes enough for his own use as is his right. Seems pretty responsible to me.

[@mathewprime3556]

Gramps, save some Chaga for the rest of us, your almost dead anyway

[@kathleenjohns2229]

Why are you cutting into the tree? That can kill the entire tree. Shouldn't be so greedy

[@yvette977]

Sustainability? Please don't take the whole thing. Leave the bark intact, so it can grow back.

[@denisejobeck853]

You probable killed the tree. In your greed and ignorance, taking part of the fungus would have been more than enough.

[@StyNorth]

Denise, I am sorry you feel this way! I would typically not respond to insults, but in this case, I am taking exception. This video was made 3 years ago and the tree still stands in excellent health. As I state in the video, there is a second Chaga on the back of the same tree that was left un-harvested, and is now (August 2018) as large as a basketball and the one I harvested has now grown approximately 3 inches in thickness since the harvest. As for the insults, I am not a greedy person nor am I an ignorant person. The total amount of chaga I harvested in this video provided for the needs of 4 households for just over a year. I do not sell chaga, to anyone, period! And, this chaga was ALL harvested on private land! As for ignorance, I have been harvesting chaga for years and have seen NO evidence to suggest damage to the trees (Through in the field observations not because someone told me so, or I read it somewhere). Also, every chaga I personally have taken has recovered! So, in closing, before you call a person Greedy, Ignorant, or accuse them of killing something, you should get the facts straight and also know the person (personally). I am a lover of the outdoors and expect our resources to be respected, however, we are part of the ecosystem and have the right to harvest (responsibly) just as much as a bug, bird, or bear.

[@StyNorth]

@@janeto8782, By who's definition should I teach? I teach through experience based opinion just as others do. I do not live or teach based upon others opinions and un-supported (so called) facts. I also do not require anyone to follow my opinions, I only ask that they be respected as I respect the right of others to think differently.

[@WokeAF-24]

Denise Jobeck stop complaining be happy for the guy , buzzkill

[@bouldericfic1]

Don't harvest like Sty....

[@thematdog1]

Unethical harvesting of chaga, great job you will never get more on that tree

[@StyNorth]

You are SO mistaken my friend, it shows how little you truly know or truly understand!

[@dalevodden1359]

Now the one thing he did not mention about harvesting chaga you do not take the whole thing off the tree you leave some so it will grow back and within 2 to 5 years you can go back and harvest it again never take the whole thing off the tree you could actually kill the tree doing that

[@dalevodden1359]

What he's got is more than enough all he's going to do is damage the tree never take all the chaga off of one spot if you got to saw cut it about a quarter inch away from the tree and just saw it up and then leave that part on the tree never take all of the chaga off the tree cuz you'll never harvest that spot again