National Mushroom Hunting Day is observed worldwide every May 17. Established by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, this unofficial holiday celebrates the beginning of the mushroom hunting season and encourages people to engage in this age-old activity. Mushroom hunting, also known as mushroom foraging or mushrooming, has been practiced since ancient times, with varying attitudes towards mushrooms across different cultures and eras. On this day, enthusiasts share their passion for mushroom hunting and provide tips on safe foraging practices. Participants are advised to learn about the different types of mushrooms, including edible, conditionally edible, inedible, and poisonous varieties, and to familiarize themselves with local laws regarding mushroom collection. Mushroom hunting is particularly popular in Europe, Asia, Australia, and temperate regions of North America and West Africa.