Mushrooms 101: The Basics of Mushroom Foraging - Part 3

This is a mushroom foraging 'how to', we cover what supplies you need, how to choose a field guide, finding foraging locations (locations! Sorry no gps coordinates.) and helpful tips on how to time and plan a foraging trip. Plus, tips on collection and how to get the most out of your learning and foraging experience.
Check out these other two videos in our Mushrooms 101 series to stay caught up!
101 - Identification and Anatomy | • Mushrooms 101: Identif...
101 - Identification in Collection & Observation | • Mushrooms 101: Identif...
The books!
Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest - amzn.to/2RPKNRt
Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast - amzn.to/2B3NAB0
The Complete Mushroom Hunter - Gary Lincoff - amzn.to/2TbbWzW
If you want to catch up with my mushroom life more regularly, be sure to follow me on Instagram.
Yellow Elanor Instagram - yellowelanor
Zach Zoller Instagram - thezoller
YellowElanor.com
ZachZoller.com
Mushroom Foraging Fungi Yellow Elanor Mushroom Identification Pacific Northwest

[@myoutdoorlife3833]

My entire family became addicted to foraging for Mushrooms because of your channel. We thank you for that! 👍🍄💙

[@YellowElanor]

I love this comment! I love that my videos have had that impact on you and your family! This is why I do what I do, to spread the mush love. Forage on family!

[@TruRedKing]

​@YellowElanor How do you feel about r/mushroomid they have helped me get close to do my own research their also the closest thing I have found to a knowledgeable friend

[@Naughtz]

I watch a lot of videos on mushrooms from Paul Stamets to Adam Haritan of learn your land and you by far have the most exciting, fun and charismatic presentation. I never want your videos to end! Thank you so much for all the effort that goes into making these videos. Your brother knocks the editing out of the park!! And I just sit back and crush hard over your presentation and fungi knowledge😍 cheers guys🍄🍄🙏

[@YellowElanor]

Thank you Scott! If you never want the videos to end, you'll be in for a treat then...the next episode is close to an hour long (yikes!). It's different than what we've done before, so I hope you enjoy it as much as the others once it comes out.

[@oldschoolman1444]

I've found that learning how to grow them in your garden is a great way to have seasonal harvest but getting out into the woods is always a great time. =)

[@YellowElanor]

Yeah! I've only done it once myself, but can't wait until I'm in a space to have a garden and grow more!

[@eyesofthecervino3366]

Yeah! I just learned you can use mushroom spawn instead of nitrogen fertilizer to start breaking down straw bales for a straw bale garden, and I'm absolutely itching to try it :D

[@NewMessage]

didjya hear about the Witches Cauldron finds in BC? Not edible, but woohoo just the same!

[@YellowElanor]

Definitely a whoohoo! I love strange and interesting things like that!

[@markshellenbarger9986]

Very well thought out and presented in an easy to understand format. Good job. If you are not a teacher, you should be.

[@YellowElanor]

Thank you! I do teach some, I really enjoy it, it's not hard for me to talk about mushrooms!

[@slocoast5]

Right! That’s pretty scary to maybe have chunks of something toxic or knife/tools mix into your edibles. Good tips 🍄😂

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@ms.s.vincent]

Thank you for these videos! Is it possible to get poisoned by touching or handling a toxic mushroom?

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@DoctorGibbon]

Carrying a small, like, envelope sized flexible cutting board has been really nice

[@YellowElanor]

Hadn't thought of that before!

[@ManuelMartinez-wj3cb]

You have a lot of good tips. We just picked about 10 pounds of chanterelle mushrooms Sunday.

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@johnbharris]

And Mushrooms of the Midwest...yup, flyover territory again. Oh well...maybe next time.

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

@trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....!!

[@tedyoh7394]

Me carrying a basket in the woods would be similar to me wearing a pink mini skirt to work....just wouldn't be right....I have to stick with the mesh bag....great video as always!

[@YellowElanor]

Hahaha! Oh my gosh, you just answered my questions as to why some of my male friends insist on using mesh bags and refuse to carry a basket 😆

[@lovethemack]

Top tier information once again~ and really nice visuals I love the texture on the fir? tree on one side. And of course the host and camera/editor really sweet and talented folks!

[@YellowElanor]

Thank you so much :) I believe it is a Douglas-fir and it has a bunch of lichen on it giving it that extra cool texture!

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

The whistle is also good for wolfes. Stay save Rotkäppchen.

[@myufostory689]

I was talking to a woman about her "secret" mushrooming spot, and she said the area got out to the public. She went to that area and found that it was destroyed by people who went mudding. She cried.

[@gabrielcamargodealmeida1374]

You are fkng awesome!!! Love the way you explain it!!!

[@nicecriminal6150]

heck yess! Get those lil guys...they might be under some trees or in some dirt.

[@YellowElanor]

Haha, yep, got to get your nose to the ground sometimes.

[@krakoosh1]

Something I didn’t hear you cover in these 3 videos is what is the purpose of mushrooms in the ecology

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@ashleydisbrow9152]

I've just gotten into the wonderful world of fungi. Haven't even been foraging yet(my local field guide comes in today, so excited!!). Your videos are so informative and helpful! Thank you both for taking your time to make these videos! I feel like I'll kind of have a clue to what I'm doing on my first hunt now 😊

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@louismansuetti9158]

Card might be a good place to put a GPS location, or some other method to find that exact spot again.....?

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@puppetparkrangerpeggypigta5294]

Baskets...Fancy...Books...Organized! Subscribed! 🍄 Fun!

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@cianhanson4334]

I agree it’s a natural resource and it’s not owned beyond what people make in terms of money. We only harvest what we eat.

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@paulmudreac5784]

Thank you so much for your amazing videos

[@overratedprogrammer]

I know you're supposed to cross reference and use multiple books, but I'm looking for the best book to use as a field guide to use first, before I start confirming with other books. And this is almost impossible. There are so many books that so many people have complaints about, some have no pics or illustrations. I just want a comprehensive field guide with illustrations

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@greenmoose9517]

is this video supposed to be in the rest of the playlist of mushrooms 101? because it currently is not but it has the same title

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@seansteel8128]

After covid ends, if my wife and I journey down from Canada, do you do mushroom foraging tours for people? Are you easy to find if folks want to learn from you?

[@YellowElanor]

I used to do foraging classes and forays, I stepped out of it for a while but am thinking about getting those going again. My website yellowelanor.com will be the place to look if I start back up with the teaching!

[@VoiceDisasterNz]

What was the mushroom you were looking for that turned out to be an east coast species?

[@JoseBaranenko]

extraordinary channel! thanks!

[@phoenixhendrickson]

Hi can you tell me a few good books to start learning mushrooms

[@brainentrainmentlibrarychannel]

You have got a really good website! I wish I had found it sooner! You should be a teacher!

[@myhandyman1]

Prospectors call it claim jumping. my spot.

[@boris978]

Woooo! New episode! Presented to us at the opportune time to gear up for autumn mushroom hunt. Truly, is there anything more relaxing and beautiful than autumn humid, musty and aromatic mornings of central European mixed dedicious, coniferous and evergreen forests of all shades from yellow to orange, red, green and brown, ever so graciously decorated by the master environmental engineers and agents of life and death, the glorious fungi? No. I salute your dedication.

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@kylemackenzie5371]

Haven’t seen a vid for 10 months.. what’s going on 🥺

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@johnfryman4428]

Good tips.. I always bring Kush !

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Maybe a good Sativa for the energies of the activities...

[@dankauffman8568]

Over the past twenty years I've picked and eaten about two dozen different kinds . Entirely self taught from field guides and other books . My " Bible " is from the National Audubon Society by Gary Lincoff . Thank you ! This video will be invaluable for anyone getting into foraging .

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@valariezacharias4776]

I'm only 5 mins in, and already you've blown my mind with a simple, common sense, yet not so obvious imperative. WHISTLES! I am buying some tomorrow; that was a true eureka moment for me! LOL I've heard of so many crazy accidents and various mishaps where having a whistle could have totally turned things around. Thanks for the amazing life hack! :)

[@MycocasperonIGsellsbest-jc5kd]

Wants some trips Check out: mycocasper on ins-ta-gram.. .. .. ..

[@farnorthhome]

I cannot wait for mushroom season up here

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@roadstorody4889]

I love your videos I have learnt alot from you.Thank you.

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@michaelarend3415]

I’m so happy to find Yellow Eleanor and especially the 101 series. Over the past year I’ve started foraging, reading, online research and finally YouTubing has brought me here where I feel like it’s all coming together! Thank you for your service and I hope we cross paths one day at mushroom festival, foray or just meandering around the Saturday market in stumptown.

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@treym322]

We wish you would make more videos! 🥺🥺 you’re such a beauty! Inside and out. Your beautiful blue eyes mesmerized me just as much as the beautiful wealth of knowledge that is within your brain! Please make more videos. You’re very entertaining 💜

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@marks8259]

Will you do a video on magic mushrooms?

[@blackbeardgoatjr2434]

Where has this beautiful goddess gone?

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@jamesharrison2763]

Really hoping for a new video soon!! Best mushroom channel by a mile!

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@karloskardenas2414]

Thank you for the time and information! Very helpful!!!!

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@HaphazardHomestead]

That's a really nice overview! I like your point about looking around at home to learn mushrooms, rather than thinking they are all out in the woods. I have enjoyed eating nearly 20 different species of wild mushrooms from my regular old suburban yard in Oregon's Willamette Valley. It's helped me appreciate how many spores are floating around in the air, all the time, spreading mushrooms to where ever there's the right conditions. Happy mushroom hunting!

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@jeffferris2783]

Just thoroughly enjoying this series. The one on morphology especially. Learned so many things hadn't considered to observe before. Thank you!

[@mauraborealice]

I feel so happy that you also live in my region and can feature mushrooms that I could someday encounter.I really enjoy your channel!

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@settlers33]

My neighbors and I picked a couple thousand chanterelles in late July August plus a mass of Lobsters. Chicken of the Wood was super low. Morels were off the hook and I got my most Hen of the Woods😍

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@robertgrace7718]

Yellow Eleanor WOW, you are the best, I adore you. Please keep being my mushroom Guru. Don’t ever leave us

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@Wanna.Wander]

Super great info call my one of my favorite mushroom 101 video, you break it down for simplicity💜Your video came on while I was driving and you had my attention right away, tRicky permitSituation, kind of like fishing

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@soccer2themax]

yay! Another video. Love your energy and informational approach

[@YellowElanor]

Thank you so much! Sit down videos make me nervous, so I'm always happy to hear folks enjoy them!

[@jammer6524]

I found your channel a few days ago. Thanks for the time you have put into these videos. We had a wet summer here in Colorado where I own 5 acres of pine/aspen forest. The number of mushrooms we are seeing this year is huge compared to years past even in my backyard in town. Guess I've got some more Mushroom videos to watch. Thanks again.

[@timimoore4631]

Love your channel. I believe im close to you. Do you host forays?

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@angelaminder9722]

😮 that spore print tip!

[@anniewildmush1284]

Very good at explaining! Congrats

[@YellowElanor]

Thank you!

[@naturallynorthwest9748]

I love this channel

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@randolphtorres4172]

THANKS4GIVING

[@Fuzzgun94]

Pop,Pop,Pop,Pop, pocket. :)

[@JoeBlack-jf4kw]

Angel of the Woods you are!

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@jrdblon95]

Your videos have been super inspiring for me! I work as an arborist and have always wanted to make similar videos to this, but about trees. You have made all this information so clear and digestible. You are giving me more confidence to go out and, more thoroughly, appreciate yet another aspect of our natural world. How did you acquire all this mushy knowledge, if you don't mind me asking.

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@your_eulogy2688]

Sweet! New vid! Been waiting on part 3

[@YellowElanor]

Here it finally is :) Thanks for watching!

[@tommiehoseman3252]

I just found your channel. What a great channel it is! Lol, in a mushroom voice. "hey, I'm gonna rub my toxins on you". I was listen while driving and I broke in a loud laughter! You're intelligent, pretty and a great entertainer too.

[@jak3589]

Fabulous thank you!

[@thinginground5179]

Cheers, I never thought about a whistle

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@wese8453]

Thank you for creating this 3 part series - there's so much great information and practical advice!

[@yo6687]

I want a class in seattle ✋👋 recommendation please 🙏

[@YellowElanor]

I don’t know of any specific classes, but I do know there are a few mushroom clubs and Mycological societies in that area. If you look up the North American Mycological Association online, they have a page of clubs and you can search by area. Also, I know that WildCraft Studio School occasionally has a class up that direction, but they fill up and sell out super quick!

[@kennethdiego3098]

I'll refer you to this reliable doctor he'll guide you properly 🙏

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@eyesofthecervino3366]

@@kennethdiego3098 Oh, an original response! I just assumed you were a bot.

[@marlonprice4165]

Your videos are just so empowering. I can't wait to get started

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@kathleensefcik7561]

Love this video so much! Such good sound advice for anyone going out foraging. I recently got back into foraging and I love your videos . The paper bags with notes cards is genius! I will definitely use that for varieties I want to identify. I also just ordered the mushroom knife you use.

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....

[@faisalalsweidi1252]

🍄🍄🍄

[@emeraldchan7770]

Thanks so much for this video series! I can’t wait to go out and learn and collect mushrooms to ID!

[@brodiwheeler7583]

28:20 So frickin cute! 😆

[@kennethdiego3098]

trippy_psyche1

[@kennethdiego3098]

They're on Instagram .....

[@flukeseawalker]

Rachel, thanks for telling viewers to post photos on iNaturalist. It is a very good website for all levels of nature lovers. Are you on there?

[@YellowElanor]

I am on there! I'm not super active, but I have friends that have done some incredible work in their iNat accounts and they're who inspire me to keep at it.

[@flukeseawalker]

@@YellowElanor Awesome. I'm not super active on iNat either, but its helpful to have a place where people know more than I and are willing to share their knowledge. I'm darthlobster on iNat. I forage mainly at Nockamixon State Park, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Most of those pink markers around the lake, on the map, are mine. :) Happy Foraging!

[@travisvarpness2845]

Isn't mesh bag spore dropping a myth?

[@YellowElanor]

In relation to morels (which this conversation about mesh bags is much more heated), then I'd agree it's more of a myth. The claim with morels is that your patch will go away if you don't use a mesh bag...the whole system is much more complex than that. Morels are ascomycetes so their method of spore dispersal is less sporadic (get it, spore-adic) and more timed with their drying out. Chances of them releasing spores while in your bag isn't as likely as most other edible mushrooms we collect which are basidiomycetes. Basidiomycetes tend to have longer, more continual release of spores which can happen before, during and after you pick and bring them home. As to how much that effects the future populations? I don't think anyone truly knows, but if mesh bags/baskets/breathable material keeps the mushrooms more fresh for us to eat, bonus for us too. Side note, my personal preference...I don't like using mesh bags, they bang up the mushrooms too much for my liking. But I have friends that love and swear by them.

[@travisvarpness2845]

Thank you for the response and the knowledge.

[@danielsevertson342]

It is so rare to find someone who is simultaneously so charismatic, knowledgeable, and who exudes such positive energy. You've gotten me so excited to go out and start looking for mushrooms!

[@skepticalgenious]

You should do it if you feel like it. Any reconnection with your natural self is wonderful. I feel at peace after a walk in the woods. Help's me find balance

[@kalendrinn]

Sooooo...what are the sharpies for huh huh huh? You've got me super curious now. Oh, if you ever do the note card in the bag with the mushroom, do you ever laminate or spray the back with something to set the spore print in place and keep it with the notes for filing or later reference?

[@adixon6237]

I’m mystified as to what a sharpie is

[@tiffanyfires3877]

I’m curious what mushroom you were looking for that turned out to be an East Coast species at timestamp 17:12?

[@YellowElanor]

Entoloma abortivum, the 'shirmp of the woods', there are some rare sightings in the west, but truly an East Coast specialty!

[@DoubleADay]

What elevation would you recommend for morels here in sw Washington. Hopefully heading up in the Gifford this weekend

[@YellowElanor]

I'd say stick to the 2,500-3,500 zone for this weekend, someplace in there should be the sweet spot dependent on where in the Giff you are headed.

[@DoubleADay]

Above trout lake. Suggestions?

[@jrraven3230]

😘😘😘😘

[@YellowElanor]

💚💕💚

[@hardfoil]

🍄🍄🍄

[@YellowElanor]

🤓🤓🤓

[@stevedingman474]

I forage and grow mushrooms but guys oh my is she not the hottest mushroomer you ever seen !

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

trippy_psyche1

[@paragonmarcoux7170]

They're on Instagram .....