To comment on your post Chris. You made a very valid point about flora and fauna being different (even if similar looking) through many regions and how essential it is to know what are you being surrounded by. I grew up in Poland in high mountains where the only "vegetable" that we found in abundance were mushrooms. Since I was 2 years old until 10 (when I was brought to the US) every fall we would go out to pick them for the winter time. Yes even the most experienced pickers had problems and somebody always got poisoned every season but this is what I learned from my dad and elders:<br><br>- slice the mushroom and touch it with you tongue. If it burns it's poisonous.<br>- try sticking to mushrooms that have sponge under the hat instead of blades. <br>-stay away from mushrooms of wild colors<br>-stay away from mushrooms that animals or bugs don't touch<br><br>Mushroom picking is a dying art. Every time I go upstate (NY) hiking I bring a bag full of mushrooms for a delicious soup. But I only pick what I’m familiar with and know for sure. I would never pick something that looks kind of similar to what I know. I have to be 101% sure even if it means that I won’t bring home less than expected.<br><br>Matt<br><br>