You need a forest resources permit to harvest mushrooms that you're planning to sell. If you're harvesting for your own use, you do not need a permit.
Is there a fee?
The permit for the commercial harvest of mushrooms is free.
Get a permit
- Visit your local Compliance, Monitoring and Inspections office.
- We'll give you an application form to fill out.
- We'll give you a permit when you apply.
Always carry your permit with you when harvesting morel mushrooms that you plan to sell. If you do not have your permit on you, you could be fined.
Where you can harvest mushrooms
You can only harvest mushrooms on vacant public land. You can use the GeoYukon interactive map to identify public land.
View land and property layers on GeoYukon
You must have permission to harvest on, or access an area by, First Nations Settlement Land or private property.
Morels fruit in the spring following a forest fire. You can look at last year’s wildfire maps to see potential picking areas.
Picking on Traditional Territories
Some First Nations have specific guidelines on picking mushrooms on their Traditional Territory. This includes the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and its guidelines for harvesting morels.
Eating wild mushrooms
Not all wild mushrooms are edible. Eating wild mushrooms can be dangerous and can result in severe illness or death. Be sure you're familiar with how to handle, prepare and consume wild mushrooms.
Morels dos and do nots
You should cook morels for at least 5 minutes and never eat them raw, especially within 72 hours of drinking alcohol.
Identifying morels
If you're unfamiliar with mushroom identification, you should:
- consult a number of up-to-date mushroom guides; and
- go out with a more experienced mushroom picker.