Ginseng hunting season begins one week from today. Like mushrooms, these highly desired plants, actually the roots, are found in the woodlands of our state.
Most ginseng dug in the United States is exported to Asia where it is prized as a medical cure-all. In our country, it's used in a variety of items, among them tea, shampoo and chewing gum.
Once a plant has been found, the roots are excavated, dried and sold to registered buyers, many times bringing a couple of hundred dollars for the lucky hunter.
Some folks who hunt ginseng do so just for the money, which has made the plant harder to locate. As such, regulations governing the digging of the plant have been adopted in order to keep it from being over-harvested. There is now a ginseng season and a license is required to legally dig the roots.
This year's season runs from Aug. 31 to Nov. 1. When the plants have ripe berries, the roots are ready to harvest. The berries are crimson red and located in the middle of the plant. Hunters who dig these roots should plant the berries to ensure future growth. The berries should be planted in the same location where the roots were dug. Crush the pulp that surrounds the berries with your hand, then bury the seeds about one-half inch into the ground. Cover the area with mulch scooped from the forest floor. Doing so will help keep the plant thriving in years to come.
Novice hunters can pick up a brochure that describes ginseng and shows what it looks like.
John Schwegman, botanist for the Department of Natural Resources, says "north and east slopes in wooded areas and also bottomland areas are the best places for these plants."
Hunters need to be in good shape just to locate a patch of ginseng . In most places where it's found the terrain can be very steep. Your best boots, with the best support, will be your best friend on these excursions. When a patch is located, use some discretion as to which plants are harvested. The smallest plant that may be ttakeen is a three-pronged plant.
This means it will have at least three branches, each called a prong, with leaflets coming off the main stem. The best plants are those sporting five to six prongs.
According to Schwegman, "hunters need to get written permission from the landowner saying that they can dig ginseng ." The law requires hunters to have this before digging on private property.
The ginseng plant has been around for many, many years. Responsible hunters will do their part by following harvesting guidelines.
- BY : George Frashier
- SOURCE : The State Journal-Register Springfield, IL1996.08.24
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