Before heading out to forage for mushrooms, you are advised to get a current mushroom hunting permit, issued new every year by the USFS. It covers Deschutes, Willamette, Winema-Fremont and Umpqua National Forests, but NOT Ochoco. Previously, we had to go IN PERSON to the headquarters to get the permit, but they are allowing us to use this online service for now. If you want to get yours for 2021, here's how:
VIA EMAIL
Email: SM.FS.BFR_FD@usda.gov
Include that you are requesting a
•Mushroom Permit for 2021.
•Full Name (first/last)
•Address
•Drivers license number
They will send back the permit as an attachment that you will sign. You can print it out or save it on your phone to carry with you when foraging.
BY PHONE:
If you do not want to send this info via email, call the forest service directly at 541-383-5300. You will have to leave a message but they will call you back ASAP. Then it will be sent to you via email for you to sign and carry with you. They offered that this might be the best way to contact FS for a permit.
They will also attach the Crescent and Bend Mushroom Maps with the permit.
Remember when morel hunting that many of the burned areas are off limits to foragers right now. There are big safety issues to consider and wearing a hard hat would be one way to save your skull on a windy day.