Mushroom foraging laws in Nebraska
Compiled from official sources; not legal advice. Rules change. Confirm with the land manager or the agency before you pick.
Summary
Nebraska Game and Parks says non-commercial morel picking is allowed on its lands unless signed otherwise, but its state park regulations require the superintendent's permission to remove plant matter and do not name mushrooms. Selling wild mushrooms to stores, restaurants or farmers markets requires identification training and certification. Check with the park before you pick.
Public land
A Game and Parks article says hobby (non-commercial) picking of morel mushrooms is allowed on Game and Parks lands unless signed or indicated otherwise, and Open Fields and Waters program sites are not open to mushroom harvesting. The state park regulations (163 NAC 5) separately say removing plant matter without the Park Superintendent's prior permission is prohibited, and that personal gathering is allowed only for fruits and berries the superintendent designates. The regulation does not name mushrooms, so ask the park.
Permits
A current, valid state park permit is required on motor vehicles entering state park lands. The park regulations require the Park Superintendent's permission to remove plant matter. No separate mushroom permit is mentioned.
Selling
Nebraska Department of Agriculture says wild mushroom identification training and certification is required for individuals who wish to sell wild foraged mushrooms to retail food establishments and direct-to-consumer platforms such as farmers markets (Nebraska Food Code, section 3-201.16). The state park rules also prohibit gathering fruits and berries for sale.
Sources
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - 163 NAC 5-001 State Park Regulations
- Nebraska Game and Parks - Nebraskaland Magazine: What to know about morel mushroom hunting
- Nebraska Department of Agriculture - Produce Safety (wild mushroom certification)
Last verified: November 11, 2026