You either get with someone who already hunts mushrooms and can teach you, or you research a LOT. I started with the obvious like puffball, chicken & hen of the woods, inky caps, black trumpets, etc. and advanced on as I learned. I have about 6 books for identifying mushrooms, so I start there when I find a new one. Then I get on the internet and look for photos. Once I"m sure what I have I even go to YouTube so see if I can find someone finding and/or preparing the same type. If I"m 100% sure...and only 100% sure I cook one up. If I"m OK next day I'll cook another.
Remember, poison mushrooms don't necessarily taste bad at all from what I"ve learned, and mushrooms that are harmless can taste VERY bad.
Ken Cullers
13-May-2014 20:25
The pictures of the muchrooms are beautiful. How do I tell the poision ones from the ones you can eat. Ken Cullers