Foraging on Public Land
Montana: Foraging for personal use often allowed on National Forests and BLM land. State parks usually prohibit. Always check local rules.
FORAGING LAWS & GUIDELINES
WHERE FORAGING IS USUALLY ALLOWED
National Forests:
• Personal use quantities permitted
• Typically 1 gallon berries/day
• Some mushrooms need free permit
• Commercial harvest needs permit
BLM Land:
• Generally allowed for personal use
• Reasonable quantities
• No rare/protected species
WHERE FORAGING IS USUALLY PROHIBITED
• National Parks: Prohibited without permit
• State Parks: Usually prohibited
• Wilderness Areas: May be restricted
• Private Property: Trespassing without permission
COMMON RULES
1. Personal use only (not for sale)
2. Reasonable quantities (gallon/day typical)
3. No rare/endangered species
4. No tools that damage plants (no raking in some areas)
5. Check for specific closures
WHAT YOU CAN TYPICALLY FORAGE
• Berries (blackberries, huckleberries, etc.)
• Mushrooms (with permit in some forests)
• Nuts (acorns, pine nuts)
• Edible plants (nettles, fiddleheads)
• Herbs and spices
PROTECTED SPECIES
Never harvest:
• Rare or endangered plants
• Plants in protected habitats
• Without proper identification
• More than you need
COMMERCIAL FORAGING
Requires permits and fees:
• Mushroom permits (Pacific Northwest)
• Bough/greenery permits
• Must be designated areas
• Quantity limits and fees apply