Updates on DNR Plant Posse and Ginseng Market Postings

Well the government is showing why we love it so much.....no word yet on my proposal of forming a plant posse from Wild Harvesters or Foragers.

Well it really didn't surprise me. Our DNR is inherently slow to respond to anything, except fining folks and enforcing really strange rulings and laws. (My personal opinion only). I'll keep after them. I think that I will write a letter and send it to them where they have to sign for it.  Then let's see what will be what.

On the interview with our local "sang buyer, he had to bow out for our scheduled time.  I talked to him yesterday and he is rescheduling for sometime next week.

The markets for wild ginseng for October is $400 - $450 per pound. Not bad for this time of the year. Talked to a local harvester, and he has 9 pounds ready for market.  Do do the math....that's a nice payday.

Golden Seal root is going for $10 - $15 per pound, and if you have them the leaves are selling for $2 pound.

A commodity that is in demand this time of year is the "Reishi" mushroom. The mushroom is listed as Ganoderma  lucidum and grows throughout much of the United States. It is not harvested for fresh market eating but it is dried and sold by the pound to meet a huge demand from the Oriental Market. It is relatively easy to to identify, and it is not that hard to harvest and dry. It is bring in about $10 - $25 per pound. It is important to contact your buyer to see if there are any specific requirements that they have regarding it harvest and curing.  One buyer only wants them "Flipped  upside down and air dried" CHECK before you waste your time in the woods. I have put a few pictures to get you started on ID'ng these great money makers just below this post.

 The Picture on the left shows a few pounds of the dried mushrooms. They have a shiny exterior looking like they are almost shellacked with a finish.

The picture on the right is of the mushroom growing in the woods. You can locate this "Reishi" growing on rotting, downed, or live wood.  Look for holes and mold on the mushrooms.  If they are present leave it.  It is not marketable. Don't waste you time.

You can get a thorough description of this mushroom by referring to Michael Kuo's book 100 Edible Mushrooms  This book is my bible for both foraging for mushrooms to sell, and also to consume personally.

Next post I will be giving some addresses and businesses that will buy your harvested commodities.

Also I will be reviewing more of the book Wildcrafting: Harvesting the wilds for a living : brush-picking, fruit-tramping, worm-grunting, and other nomadic livelihoods

This book has open new markets for me to harvest, and I am sure that you will see some possibilities for increased income .

Leave me comments, your thoughts or questions on Wild Harvesting and Foraging for Profit.

Your in Wild Harvest Profits success!

5River Jim

Images courtesy of Google Images.

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

Wild Harvest Profits - Keep Checking Drying Roots

Break Brittle Drying Roots.


Keep checking your drying roots. If you have had them drying in the shed, garage, attic, basement, wherever, make sure that they are being turned every 24 hours, and are Break Brittle! 

What does that mean?

When drying your harvested roots make sure that when you check them for dryness, that they actually break ......not bend..... when you check them in your hands like breaking fire wood sticks.

Never store your dry roots in plastic bags or boxes.  They will mold and then all that work is wasted, for no buyer will accept them in that condition.  Store them in a dry place, in paper bags, or boxes until time to ship. Check them often, to make sure that they are not sweating, or molding. If you do notice some moisture after putting in storage, then put back in your drier system and continue to take out moisture, until Break Brittle.

Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success.

5Rivers Jim