The Hunter Gatherer Society
scenic forest background. Centered text A modern Hunter Gatherer then below that it reads Explore, Forage, Reconnect

A Modern Hunter Gatherer: Living Between the Wild and the Everyday

Most people live in two worlds without realizing it. One world is built around grocery aisles, refrigerators, and packaged convenience. The other is quiet and timeless. It exists in the forest, along the shoreline, and in open fields where food still grows wild and free. I live somewhere in between. I am a modern hunter gatherer. For me, foraging is not about living completely off the land or rejecting modern life. It is about balance. I harvest wild mushrooms, edible plants, seafood, and game responsibly, then bring them home to prepare alongside everyday foods from the store. Some meals are fully wild, while others mix wild greens, mushrooms, and simple store ingredients. Together, they tell a story of connection. Before[…]

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A forest-themed meme with the quote “If you can’t name it, don’t eat it,” reminding foragers to identify mushrooms carefully before eating.

Foraging Wild Mushrooms Safely This Fall

There’s nothing like October in the woods—the crunch of golden leaves, the crisp air, and the thrill of spotting a mushroom cap glowing on the forest floor. Fall is peak mushroom season, but it’s also when beginners are most tempted to take risks. In this guide, I’ll share my rules for foraging wild mushrooms safely, along with some of the best mushrooms to look for this fall. How to Forage Wild Mushrooms Safely Foraging for wild mushrooms is one of the most rewarding experiences in nature, but it also comes with serious responsibility. The forest offers incredible flavors, yet it can also hide a few dangerous look-alikes. The key to a safe and enjoyable experience is knowledge, patience, and respect[…]

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Best Edible Wild Mushrooms: My Go-To Favorites for Beginner Foragers

There’s nothing quite like stumbling across a patch of wild mushrooms while out in the woods. I still remember the first time I spotted morels pushing up through the damp spring soil—it felt like striking gold. Over the years, I’ve come to learn that some mushrooms are much better starting points than others. They’re easier to identify, tastier in the kitchen, and less likely to be confused with dangerous look-alikes. If you’re curious about diving into the world of wild mushrooms, here are my top picks for the best edible mushrooms to forage as a beginner. 1. Morels (Morchella spp.) What: Morels are the “celebrities” of the mushroom world—beloved by chefs and foragers alike for their nutty, earthy flavor. Where[…]

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Foraging and Outdoor Living: From the Boardroom to the Backwoods

Some people spend their lives chasing balance. I live mine transitioning between two very different worlds—one defined by professionalism and purpose, the other by pine needles, riverbanks, and the wild freedom of the outdoors. By day, I’m a credit union branch manager. It’s a role I take pride in—coaching teams, mentoring others, and helping people take confident steps toward financial freedom. But once the tie comes off and the office door closes, I step into a completely different rhythm—one shaped by foraging and outdoor living. That’s when the real adventure begins. You’ll often find me riding the backroads of Washington on my motorcycle or ebike, following the call of the forest, the pull of a mountain trail, or the peace[…]

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A few foraging guide recomendations

Essential Resources for Foraging Edible Plants and Mushrooms

When I first ventured into foraging for edible plants and mushrooms, the vast variety available was overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of possibilities, but the best way to start is by selecting a few species you feel comfortable identifying. Focus on those, and as you explore, be sure to photograph other plants and fungi you discover along the way. Later, you can use online resources and field guides to identify them. Just as you select specific foraging targets, start with one or two solid field guides for identification. As you gain experience, you’ll naturally expand your library of resources. My Go-To Field Guides for Foraging I often receive questions about which books and field guides I[…]

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