PUBLIC LANDS -- Picking huckleberries with the intent to sell them is considered commercial gathering, which is illegal on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, officials say. 

"In order to provide plentiful opportunities for recreational huckleberry, the forest does not issue commercial permits," says Shoshana Cooper, Idaho Panhandle National Forests spokeswoman in Coeur d'Alene.

"Minimum fines for commercial picking start at $250, and can increase based on the severity of the offense.

The Colville Natinal Forest also prohibits commercial huckleberry picking, said Franklin Pemberton, forest spokesman. 

Recreational huckleberry pickers are encouraged to pick only what they can consume so that others may enjoy the fun of picking and the delicious taste of our state fruit, Cooper said.

And the berries also provide an important food source for the region's bears.

Methods for huckleberry gathering vary widely, but pickers are strongly encouraged by forest experts to hand-pick their berries.

"This ensures that the bushes are not damaged and only ripe berries are harvested," Cooper said, noting that the 2000 Idaho Legislature declared huckleberries as the state fruit. "We want our huckleberry bushes to remain healthy and productive for many years to come.

"Any methods that damage or destroy the bushes are illegal and may result in a fine for damaging natural resources."

"We are also urging folks to pick responsibly -- no rakes, don't cut branches and please be respectful of people and wildlife, said Pemberton in Colville.

Huckleberry pickers should always carry bear spray and be bear aware when picking, she said.