Mushroom foraging laws in Illinois
Compiled from official sources; not legal advice. Rules change. Confirm with the land manager or the agency before you pick.
Summary
Illinois DNR rules allow collecting edible fungi on its sites for personal use only, during the site's regular hours, and not for resale. Nature Preserves are off limits. Illinois health guidance says wild mushrooms may not be sold at farmers markets, so selling is very restricted.
Public land
On Department-owned or managed property, removing plants is unlawful except for collecting edible fungi, nuts and berries, which is allowed only for personal use, during the site's regular hours, and not for resale (17 Ill. Adm. Code 110.70(a)). Collection contests are not allowed. An IDNR article says it is not legal to take morels from Illinois Nature Preserves, and that at state parks with spring turkey hunting morel searching may not start until after 1:00 p.m. Follow site-specific rules.
Permits
The rule lists conditions for collecting edible fungi (personal use, site hours, no contests) but does not mention a permit.
Limits
The rule sets no number or weight limit. It limits collection to personal use only.
Selling
The DNR rule bars resale of fungi collected on its sites. Illinois Department of Public Health farmers market guidance (2013) says wild-type mushroom species picked in the wild shall not be offered for sale or distribution there. University of Illinois Extension adds that wild-harvested, non-cultivated mushrooms are prohibited ingredients for cottage food products. For restaurant or store sales, contact IDPH or your local health department.
Sources
- Ill. Adm. Code tit. 17, 110.70 - Public use of state parks (Cornell LII)
- Illinois DNR - Kids Conservation, May 2015 (archived)
- Illinois Department of Public Health - Farmers Markets Technical Information Bulletin 30 (2013)
- University of Illinois Extension - Mushroom regulations (supplement)
Last verified: November 11, 2026