Fall mushroom season is finally here!

[mdtreehugger]

Fall is our mushroom season here in the eastern shore. There will be an occasional edible found during spring and summer, but there uncommon. Today was a good day, found a ton of mixed chanterells, a few old man of the woods and a decent cauliflower mushroom. Should start finding hens and chickens soon!

[nytrapper23]

That’s awesome, wish I was up on my shrooms? I just don’t dare eat one when I find it?

[tkfurs]

That's a nice haul! Our chanterelles were up about a month ago and we put up several pounds. My friends have been finding hen of the woods in the past week. We had a good rain here the past few days so they really should be showing up soon.

[Brad H.]

Yea I’m just too nervous to eat mushrooms I find in the woods. Great score though, I’d love to try some from someone who knew what the heck they were doing!

[mdtreehugger]

You definitely have to be careful with mushrooms, but its really not as scary as it sounds. There are a handful of mushrooms that with just a bit of common sense you can't make a fatal mistake. Chicken of the woods is a great example, its closest look alike is the berkly polypore. The berkly polypore is technically edible, but i guess has a taste similar to cardboard and a texture much like shoe leather. Both the cauliflower mushroom and the old man of the woods have no dangerous look alikes either, therefor are great beginner mushrooms also. Chanterells are a little bit more challenging, as they do have a dangerous look alike, the jack o lantern mushroom. While it likely wont kill you, it will make you wish you were dead for a few days. I would advise anyone who spends any time in the woods to pick up a good field guide and start learning, even if you have no intent on eating any. 
Now for the important part, meal #1 from the chanterells. I made a risotto with them and added just a little fresh crab meat at the end. Served along a nicely grilled back strap. 

[nytrapper23]

Wow !!! Does that look good !!!