What to Eat in the Woods- August
CAUTION: Many wild foods have look-alikes, and some may be poisonous. Never eat any wild plant unless you are certain of its identity.
August is in full swing and while we swelter in the late summer heat, the woods and waters are full of little delicacies just waiting to be found. Many of these are common throughout my home state of Missouri and can be found without trekking far into the back country. The bounty of the woods and waters is lush this time of year, and these are only a few of the many things that you may find. Happy foraging and fishing!
Paw Paws
This Ozark delicacy brings a tropical note to the table. Paw Paws have long been renowned for their silky, custard-like texture and bright, summertime flavors. Many have compared it to a blend of banana and pineapple, well suited to blending into ice creams and custards. The small grove-like clusters of trees are typically found near flood plains on elevated slopes with rich soils. Oblong, green fruits with occasional dark bruising grow up to six inches and contain a number of large seeds that are easily removed. Expect to see these ripening into early September depending on your latitude.
Chanterelles
These golden little mushrooms let us know that fall is on the way. Although they can start popping up as early as July in some areas, they always remind me of early season scouting and bowhunting for deer. After a nice rain, the trumpet shaped fruiting bodies love to pop up near a number of common hardwoods, especially in old growth forests. Chanterelles bring a wonderful almost floral note to savory dishes, while the light hint of pepper can provide substance to the dish. Keep looking for these tasty trumpet -shaped fungi into September and possibly early October.
Carp
I know, I know. I can hear the naysayers already. But at this point, the body of evidence in favor of eating the prolific finned fiends is overwhelmingly positive. Carp, particularly the invasive varieties, are darn fine eating and can be prepared in place of any other firm whitefish. As the heat drives carp shallow, hit major lakes and mid sized rivers with some corn or dough bait, or with the help of a skilled guide, give bowfishing a try! Carp is incredibly easy to amass in large quantities and can be fried, baked, smoked, or just about any other preparation. Not only can you secure some amazing fresh protein, but at the same time help reduce a major invasive species.
August is a great month to get out and start your early season deer scouting, put in last minute food plots, hit the water for some topwater action, and more. Beat the heat cooling off in an Ozark stream or embrace the sweaty side of life hiking bluffs near the Missouri river. With fall just around the corner, things will be getting busy in the woods. August always seems like the prelude to fall, at least in mindset for me. It is where I mentally start shifting towards hunting season from a fishing focus, even though I know I’ll keep fishing until my fingers can’t crank a reel or tie a knot from the cold. As we get ready for the fall and winter activities to come, I’ll be sure to savor the warmth of summer with these luscious finds.
Barking
Abrupt, like a sharp command,
the low hum of the forest is broken,
A punctuated bark,
then another, quickly,
flattened against the trunk of an oak,
the red squirrel chatters,
warning the woods,
of my unfamiliar presence,
the watchman of the forest,
announcing unexpected guests.