I have been busy lately with my other profession, but I wanted to talk about the life style, or mind set of those of us that Wild Harvest or Forage for Profit. Have fun and profit from your time in the woods or on the water.
I talked with a buyer for Ginseng locally, and he had some very interesting comments on this very profitable market from another buyer in the Dakota's.
It seems one very energetic harvester thought that super cleaning his roots would bring him a higher price, and was shocked by what his extra labor rewarded him. He actually got a lower price for his roots because the buyer thought that they were TOO clean, and came from cultivated "sang.
Apparently, he cleaned his roots with a tooth brush of all the crevice dirt and discoloration on the roots, beyond the normal washing and drying that most buyers require. It just hammers home the point to contact your buyer and see if there are any special requirements you need to observe for harvesting and selling your bounty.
Also, I received a comment on my post of "getting legal" (click to see post) before harvesting Ginseng, and they were happy that I had posted a link to our states website regarding harvest and sale of 'sang. He stated that he had a hard time finding information on these rules and laws. If you find yourself in that spot just post a comment and I will help you with finding what you are looking for no matter your location here in the US or Canada.
Another note for Wild Harvester's and Forager's.
Make sure you have your written permission for being on private property while harvesting with you.
I manage a farm/forest for a friend and there were three foragers on that property without permission this last weekend. They said that they got verbal permission from the owner to harvest. Well, that owner/manager was me and I shocked them by saying I... the manager.... never saw them before and they would have to leave. I was kind, but firm, and had them leave the property, but I was well within my rights to call the DNR Warden and have them ticketed.
Just a heads up!
Your is Wild Harvest Profits success!
5Rivers Jim
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Ginseng Information for the Wild Harvester
Hey folks!
I debated long and hard on doing a total work up on the most famous natural "green gold" commodity Ginseng!
I am not going to rehash all the excellent books and pamplets that are available to the Wild Harvester and Forager regarding wild ginseng. I am going to show you a few pictures and give you a few links to go to if you think that this is something that you would like to harvest.
Honestly, I do not pursue this natural commodity!
I have had some run ins with local "sangers" on the property privileges for harvesting, and they became pretty intense. I am talking LOUD words, and flashing of holstered weapons. It was after this encounter that I decided that there were plenty of other commodities to pursue for making some cash, and let this one go.
(Yes....I did have written permission to harvest on this property, but these valley folks didn't believe me and the paper that the permission was written on!)
In my last post I said to always check the state laws for obtaining a permit, or license for digging Ginseng. Just do a Google Search, and put in your state, and the phrase "laws on harvesting Ginseng". This will bring up the sites for the specific state on the harvesting and sale of Ginseng.
Make sure you do this....Laws vary from state to state. My state you need to purchase a license to harvest or sell ginseng. It is totally different for the state of Tennessee. I am sure each state is different on requirements, so bone up on the rules.
Today I did go into the woods and found some Ginseng, but the amount was nothing to shout about, and I also want to leave this small patch to grow for future years. Never know....I may need it in my old age to keep me going!
This is ginseng growing in the forest. It is a relatively easy plant to identify, but please make sure that you dig only this plant, and not some very close look a likes. Bring along a guide that I always have with me it is easy to carry and has saved my bacon more then once while in the field. Check out Peterson Field Guide to Medical Plants and Herbs
If you have any questions on this historical root commodity let me know. Leave your comments on this post
Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success!
5Rivers Jim
Images attributed to Goggle Images 2010
I debated long and hard on doing a total work up on the most famous natural "green gold" commodity Ginseng!
I am not going to rehash all the excellent books and pamplets that are available to the Wild Harvester and Forager regarding wild ginseng. I am going to show you a few pictures and give you a few links to go to if you think that this is something that you would like to harvest.
Honestly, I do not pursue this natural commodity!
I have had some run ins with local "sangers" on the property privileges for harvesting, and they became pretty intense. I am talking LOUD words, and flashing of holstered weapons. It was after this encounter that I decided that there were plenty of other commodities to pursue for making some cash, and let this one go.
(Yes....I did have written permission to harvest on this property, but these valley folks didn't believe me and the paper that the permission was written on!)
In my last post I said to always check the state laws for obtaining a permit, or license for digging Ginseng. Just do a Google Search, and put in your state, and the phrase "laws on harvesting Ginseng". This will bring up the sites for the specific state on the harvesting and sale of Ginseng.
Make sure you do this....Laws vary from state to state. My state you need to purchase a license to harvest or sell ginseng. It is totally different for the state of Tennessee. I am sure each state is different on requirements, so bone up on the rules.
Today I did go into the woods and found some Ginseng, but the amount was nothing to shout about, and I also want to leave this small patch to grow for future years. Never know....I may need it in my old age to keep me going!
If you have any questions on this historical root commodity let me know. Leave your comments on this post
Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success!
5Rivers Jim
Images attributed to Goggle Images 2010
Ginseng Season; Know the laws and make sure your lisenced.
The harvest season for Ginseng the plant called "green gold" has started in this state of Wisconsin.
The state publishes a handout on the laws and regulations for harvesting and selling wild ginseng.
You can read these pamplets at this website
Make sure that wherever you harvest this big money maker that you follow all the rules and requirements for each state that you forage in. The fines can be substantial for not being in compliant.
Many of the buyers are listed in the yellow pages of your phone book, for markets to sell too. Call them and ask if there are any handling procedures that they require, before you start your harvest.
Our harvest season here in Wisconsin is from 1 September until 1 November. You can sell your harvest later then the posted harvest time frame from 1 September to 1 March.
I have more on this valuable commodity and will post it in the next few days. Today's post is just a heads up and get legal notice.
Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success.
5Rivers Jim
The state publishes a handout on the laws and regulations for harvesting and selling wild ginseng.
You can read these pamplets at this website
Make sure that wherever you harvest this big money maker that you follow all the rules and requirements for each state that you forage in. The fines can be substantial for not being in compliant.
Many of the buyers are listed in the yellow pages of your phone book, for markets to sell too. Call them and ask if there are any handling procedures that they require, before you start your harvest.
Our harvest season here in Wisconsin is from 1 September until 1 November. You can sell your harvest later then the posted harvest time frame from 1 September to 1 March.
I have more on this valuable commodity and will post it in the next few days. Today's post is just a heads up and get legal notice.
Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success.
5Rivers Jim
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Look at the History of Wild Harvest For Profit
I ordered a book that was published 35 years ago...Wildcrafting: Harvesting the wilds for a living : brush-picking, fruit-tramping, worm-grunting, and other nomadic livelihoods
It was exciting to read that this time honored profession has been with this country since it's beginning.
I am going to share some of the insights that the author Jack McQuarrie writes in this great look into the history Wild Harvesting for Profit in future posts.
They are truly interesting for the Wild Harvester or Wild Forager.
The first thing that I want to share is that you MUST make sure that the commodity that you harvest is still in demand and legal to sell. CASCARA Bark was harvested in great quantities in the Pacific Northwest for many years, but in 2002 the FDA restricted its use.
A search on the internet did show some folks still trying to sell this item, but I did not find any buyers. They may be there, the buyers, but in my search I didn't find one buyer.
Find out if there is a market before you invest the time and energy for a product that is no longer needed.
Stay tuned for tid-bits of this great book. You won't be sorry! May open a new market for your harvest.
Yours in Wild Harvest Profit success.
5Rivers Jim
It was exciting to read that this time honored profession has been with this country since it's beginning.
I am going to share some of the insights that the author Jack McQuarrie writes in this great look into the history Wild Harvesting for Profit in future posts.
They are truly interesting for the Wild Harvester or Wild Forager.
The first thing that I want to share is that you MUST make sure that the commodity that you harvest is still in demand and legal to sell. CASCARA Bark was harvested in great quantities in the Pacific Northwest for many years, but in 2002 the FDA restricted its use.
A search on the internet did show some folks still trying to sell this item, but I did not find any buyers. They may be there, the buyers, but in my search I didn't find one buyer.
Find out if there is a market before you invest the time and energy for a product that is no longer needed.
Stay tuned for tid-bits of this great book. You won't be sorry! May open a new market for your harvest.
Yours in Wild Harvest Profit success.
5Rivers Jim
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tools for a Dry Foot Day
I have finally realized that having the correct tools when Wild Harvesting for Profits makes all the difference when determining if this is an activity that you want to pursue or just "let go".
I have made posts on how I am using my Etrex Venture HC GPS as a tool to increase my effectiveness in scouting and then finding commodities for wild harvesting through the year. I also have put together a "Tool Kit" that I take with me when out and about foraging. One of the things that I sometimes forget that are "tools" are things that are obvious for most folks. Wearing the correct clothing to match the activity is one of those things that I take for granted that everyone will know what to use and wear.
I think that the correct foot ware is one of the most important tools that an active Wild Harvester can own.
My favorite in the past few months have been a hiking/outdoor boot made by
I have made posts on how I am using my Etrex Venture HC GPS as a tool to increase my effectiveness in scouting and then finding commodities for wild harvesting through the year. I also have put together a "Tool Kit" that I take with me when out and about foraging. One of the things that I sometimes forget that are "tools" are things that are obvious for most folks. Wearing the correct clothing to match the activity is one of those things that I take for granted that everyone will know what to use and wear.
I think that the correct foot ware is one of the most important tools that an active Wild Harvester can own.
My favorite in the past few months have been a hiking/outdoor boot made by
 | |
One of my most important "TOOLS" |
This is one of the best pairs of all around outdoor boots that I have
ever owned.
I do not make recommendations on things that I don't actually try or own, so don't think that I am only trying to sell you on ordering these boots. If you need a pair of quality, rugged, light and durable boots then give these a try. " ClICK HERE"
I hope that this Labor Day Holiday for those of us in the United States and beyond is going well, and is safe and relaxing for all. I am going in the woods today to take some photo's and enjoy the beautiful weather we are experiencing here in the Midwest.
Yours in Wild Harvest success.
5Rivers Jim
I hope that this Labor Day Holiday for those of us in the United States and beyond is going well, and is safe and relaxing for all. I am going in the woods today to take some photo's and enjoy the beautiful weather we are experiencing here in the Midwest.
Yours in Wild Harvest success.
5Rivers Jim
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