Hoof fungus

[seatarp]

This morning, while walking the dog in the local park, I came across a few, small, hoof fungi on a dead beech. I've never tried to start a fire with these and would like to have a go. However they are small, largest is thumb size and the others are half that. Should I harvest one of them or leave them to grow and hope no one else nabs them?

 

[QDanT]

Hi Seatarp, I don't think these are large enough for the proccess involved, have you checked this report out :-
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59418&highlight=
have you had a look around for any larger ones ?
cheers Danny

 

[seatarp]

Based on the link above I think I'll leave them until they get bigger and tomorrow I'll have a scout about for anymore. I hope the kids don't knock 'em off, they are fairly visible. They'd have to be for me to have spotted them ;-).

 

[seatarp]

Found lots more on the same tree. The largest about ten inches long and two wide, several growths that have merged together, but just out or reach. I'll have to get a stick or step ladders to harvest that. I'll ask the park rangers if I can remove some, it's a public park after all.