It is that glorious time of year when the huckleberries have ripened into dark purple morsels of bliss. Hiking is always fun but hiking to pick natures candy is even better. If you are not familiar with huckleberries they are the fruit of the huckleberry bush (Vaccinium membranaceum Dougl) they taste very similar to blueberries and make a great additions to pies, icecream, or are perfect just off the bush. The huckleberry is the state fruit of Idaho and bushes are protected and cannot be damaged. Although there is no commercial harvesting of huckleberries you are allowed to pick up to one gallon per person a day, and up to three gallons per person a year. Because we are not the only mammals who love these tasty treats it is always a good idea to bring bear spray when picking. Huckleberries are a favorite food for the big hungry bears! They are also the favorite food of small hungry humans and won’t last long if you leave them out in the open. Happy huckleberry season!