I do most of my foraging in the woods along trails. I’m curious for those that forage in similar locations, how far from the trail before you’ll collect something to eat? I know some people get sketched out by the idea that things immediately along the trail my have been contaminated (usually by someone walking their dog).

I was out collecting chanterelles yesterday and turned down a few right along the trail that were maybe a bit past their prime but mostly in good shape if not small. I commented to my wife that I was passing because they were too close to the trail and a dog my have peed on them. Then a bit further down the trail I hypothetically collected I nice big fresh one (still mostly covered by leaf litter). It was too perfect to turn down.

Am I just a crazy hypocrite? Where do you all fall on this spectrum?