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The scoop on huckleberry picking |
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August 1, 2017 |
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The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office wants to
let people know it does not have the authority
to enforce the commercial huckleberry picking
restriction; that is a charge that needs to be
investigated by the Forest Service as there is
not an Idaho law pertaining to commercial
picking and selling of huckleberries.
What sheriff's deputies can enforce are any
violations of the Idaho code, which may include
littering, threats etc.
They encourage the public to notify the Forest
Service of any suspected commercial huckleberry
picking camps and to also notify the sheriff's
office of any camps where there may be
violations of Idaho law. They will have an
increased presence in the forest and popular
huckleberry picking locations to help keep
potential problems down.
The Sheriff’s Office has started a back-country
patrol program with the use of a dual-sport
motorbike and ATVs to more easily check some of
these areas. A few of their volunteer reserve
officers assist in these patrol checks.
Forest Service law enforcement officers on the
Idaho Panhandle National Forests remind
huckleberry pickers that commercial picking of
huckleberries is not permitted. Picking
huckleberries with the intent to sell them is
considered commercial gathering.
In order to provide plentiful opportunities for
recreational huckleberry picking, the forest
does not issue commercial permits. Minimum fines
for commercial picking start at $250 and can
increase based on the severity of the offense.
Recreational 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.
Methods for huckleberry gathering vary widely,
but pickers are strongly encouraged to hand pick
their berries. This ensures that the bushes are
not damaged and only ripe berries are harvested.
We all want our huckleberry bushes to remain
healthy and productive for many years to come!
Any methods that damage or destroy the bushes
are illegal and may result in a fine for
damaging natural resources.
Huckleberries are delicious favorites of both
people and bears. Because bears love
huckleberries and make them a major source of
nourishment, huckleberry pickers should always
carry bear spray and be bear aware when picking.
The huckleberry was designated by the Idaho
Legislature in 2000 as the official state fruit.
Huckleberries freeze well and can provide a very
healthy addition to your diet all year long. For
more information about huckleberry picking on
the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, please
contact your local Forest Service office.
In Bonners Ferry, the number is (208) 267-5561. |
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