When's the best time to go mushroom hunting in the forest right now?

September is when mushrooms are really actively growing, so you've hit a lucky month. Traditionally it's best to go into the forest 2-3 days after a good rain, when the soil is still moist but not waterlogged - that's when mushrooms pop up quickly and are easier to spot. The time of day doesn't really matter, though early morning means less competition from other mushroom hunters, and the forest looks nicer. The main thing is don't put it off - autumn is in full swing, cold weather will be here soon and the season will be over.

now's actually the perfect time, yeah. late september to early october is the peak of the second mushroom wave. if you're in the central regions, october is basically a golden month. the main thing is not to miss the window after rain, because a week later they'll start wilting or get eaten by all sorts of bugs.

i usually go by the weather: if it rained overnight, you head out to the forest in the morning while the ground is still wet. that's when mushrooms are everywhere. if it stays warm after the rain too - that's a dream. cold nights help as well, they kind of wake up the mycelium. i've tried going right after a downpour - doesn't work, it's too wet, your feet get soaked and you can't even see the mushrooms properly in all the mud. better to wait until the top dries out but there's still moisture in the soil.

if you live in a warmer region, you can still catch a good harvest at the end of september. but don't get too hung up on exact dates - just check the weather forecast. warmth plus moisture, and you're good to go picking. good luck on your trip.