Huckleberry supply running low

COEUR d'ALENE - Huckleberry season usually starts in mid-August, but warm weather ripened the fruit earlier this year and supplies are already running low, partially from illegal harvesting.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest issued a press release Friday reminding the public that commercial harvest of huckleberries is illegal on its lands.

"We have some commercial harvesters every year," said Jason Kirchner, a spokesman for the IPNF. "And we are starting to get phone calls now where people are beginning to see them up there now."

Kirchner said people harvesting the berries for commercial use could be fined $250 or more, depending on the severity of the crime, if the Forest Service catches them.

Kirchner said the Forest Service does monitor Craigslist and other social media sites to catch the illegal sales, but sometimes those selling berries on social media sites are doing so legally, Kirchner said.

"Unless they say we got these in the forest, there's not a lot we can do there," he said, adding, "There are people who have huckleberries on private land, and there are other places that allow commercial harvest, but not in the Panhandle."

Kirchner said there are even other U.S. Forests that issue commercial permits for huckleberries, but the IPNF doesn't allow them because it wants to maintain the berries for recreational pickers.

"Huckleberry pickers are encouraged to pick only what they can consume so that others may enjoy the fun of picking and the delicious taste of our state fruit," the IPNF said in its release, and explained that even recreational pickers can help sustain future crops by practicing responsible harvesting techniques.

"At this time of year, it is not too surprising just about everybody in North Idaho looks forward to huckleberry picking, but the IPNF wishes to remind forest visitors about responsible picking methods," the release said.

Pickers are strongly encouraged to hand-pick their berries. The Forest Service recommends picking only the ripe berries to ensure the bushes remain healthy and productive for many years to come.

"Although rakes and other mechanical devices may be used, they are strongly discouraged," the release said. "The use of rakes and other devices result in harvesting ripe and unripe berries indiscriminately, robbing others of the opportunity to pick berries later in the season.

Also any methods that damage or destroy the bushes are illegal and may result in a fine for damaging natural resources."

The Forest Service also wants to remind pickers that huckleberries are enjoyed by both people and bears.

"Because bears love huckleberries and make them a major source of summer and fall nourishment, humans who pick huckleberries should always carry bear spray," the release stated.

The huckleberry was designated by the Idaho Legislature in 2000 as the official state fruit. Huckleberries freeze well and can last all year long. It is estimated that huckleberries grow at elevations between 2,000 feet and 11,000 feet. For more information about huckleberry picking in the IPNF, please visit its website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf, or contact your local Forest Service office.