Berry Picks
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Using Huckleberry Rakes for Picking Wild Huckleberries
So, you are about to foray into your favorite woodland, and enjoy another wild berry picking experience. Did you know - if the crop is moderate to heavy - you could pick four to ten times as many wild huckleberries in an hour, with an inexpensive tool known as a "huckleberry rake"?
How to get more berries in your bucket!
The actual berries on most species of huckleberry plants, grow ONLY on the current year's growth. So don't try to "bull" your way through the plant. Since the tines of a rake are usually metal, and quite sturdy, there is a high risk of damaging the wild plant if you try to rake more than absolutely necessary. Plus you will hang up, and get more leaves in your bucket, which are time consuming to pick out.
If the berries are really sparse, you are best to hand pick. However, the heavier the huckleberry crop, the more a rake increases yields above handpicking ... for obvious reasons!
Think small!
Huckleberry rakes work best with a small, manageable clump of berries. Short, quick, relaxed strokes, with just the right amount of berries and branchlets as a target, will net you the greatest yield. Until you get the hang of the wrist action, chase the smallest branchlets first, at the tips of the main branches. Slide the tines in just under the lowest huckleberry in a clump of maybe three to five berries, to start, then pull the tines up and through the loose bunch of wild huckleberries.
Your first swipe: "What just happened?"
Probably one of two things. Either you went too slow, and the huckleberries were pinched and squeezed, while your rake hung up a bit on the tiny branchlets. Or, you went too fast, and most of the berries flew OVER THE TOP of your rake, peppering the surrounding vegetation. Just like the rookie shrimp fishermen in the movie Forrest Gump, who only got old boots and a toilet seat in their first catch, your first raking efforts may net you more leaves than berries.
Not as easy as it looks, but you will get better, fast! If you are a fisherman or fisherwoman, you know what I'm talking about when I describe "setting the hook". You get the line semi-taut, and then at just the right moment, you feel a tug, give a little snap of the wrist and "fish on!". You can describe and explain how to do the wrist motion all you want, but until you experience the sensation a few dozen - or even a few hundred - times, you just won't know how to set the hook, and catch that lunker.
Round 2!
So, lets try again. As you slide the tines under the huckleberries, maybe six to ten berries this time, you want to bring up the rake against the slight "pressure" of the attached berries -- just like taking the slack out of a fish line. Note that if you try to take in too many branchlets with one swipe, the pressure turns your rake into a snarl among the twigs, reducing the effectiveness of your efforts, and increasing the risk of damage to the plant.
The instant you feel the slightest hint of back pressure, you will do a short, gentle "snap" of your wrist, upward or outward. Too slow, and you snag the branches and bruise the berries, taking in lots of leaves. (This happens because you are pulling the berries off, instead of popping them off.) Too fast, and more berries fly over the rake, than into the rake.
Practice, practice, practice!
Don't give up! At first you may feel like it would be faster to pick by hand. And it would be! But hang in there, things will change, and once they change, you will rack up gallon after gallon of huckleberries with a rake much faster than you ever thought possible. Once you get comfortable, each wrist movement will bring in up to a dozen (or more) beautiful purple berries in the blink of an eye.
Using both hands with a huckleberry rake:
As you get the hang of the basic stroke, and get a feel for how many branchlets and berries you can really rake in with one stroke, without snagging, you develop a sort of rhythm. Now it's time to add your other hand as a feeder to the huckleberry picking production line. In fact, you probably were already doing this by now, instinctively.
A huckleberry bush often displays berries across a span of ten or twenty inches (or more) around the top and outside of the plant, while your rake might only be six inches wide. You can really only rake a swath four inches wide or so, cleanly. But by using your hands in tandem, you can cover a lot more of the plant in less time.
Your free hand gathers branchlets together, between the thumb and fingers. You pinch the twigs; either together to make a larger clump of berries, or away from the main plant so they are easier to rake cleanly without snagging. And try to avoid as many leaves as possible.
Then in comes the rake. Swish. Repeat. (You will always get a little snagging, so don't worry about it, just work to avoid pulling off branches when you do hang up. Better to back out, and take a smaller stroke, than damage the plant.)
Feel the rhythm!
Again, you will get a rhythm going, this time with both hands. Some strokes will not need the second hand... a branchlet with nice berries is hanging out there, all by its lonesome, and a swish with the rake will do the trick. In "heavy" huckleberry bushes your second hand will get a workout.
An experienced "raker" is a joy to behold, as he or she works around the plant, no wasted motion, short and easy wrist movements, gleaning most of the plant, while standing in one spot. Maybe a short step to the side of the wild huckleberry plants to change the angle, and get any remaining berries. Then he or she works right on through the patch in a semi-systematic fashion, with short interruptions where a stray berry gets popped into a mouth, or the picker takes a swat at an insect.
A final plea.
NOTHING damages a wild huckleberry plant more than clipping or breaking off a branch, or even the entire plant, which I have seen people do. Wild huckleberries take 5 to 15 years to reach a productive stage, and when you cut them back - even though it might make picking easier - something else is likely to grow back where that huckleberry plant once stood.
Huckleberry rakes are the best tactic for getting four, six, even ten times as many berries in your bucket in an hour, without damaging the wild resource. But even a rake, just like a hammer or screwdriver, can be misused, and cause damage. Operate your huckleberry rake ethically, and all of us will enjoy our wild huckleberry resource for many generations to come!
(C) 2008 - Lee Landers
About the Author
Lee Landers is an avid huckleberry picker from Idaho who also enjoys cooking and baking with wild huckleberries! For a good source of inexpensive, but effective, huckleberry rakes, check out: Huckleberry Rakes
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DKSA C5060 Pack Of 18 Red 6 in. Decorative Berry Picks $96.51 Pack of 18 Red Berry Picks. Item #C5060From the Flower Power collection. Features an embellished berry display. Bold colorful appearanceDimensions: 6 LMaterial (s): synthetic |
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Set of 6 Red Berry Stem Flocked Artificial Stem Picks $60.99 Set of 6 Red Berry Flocked Stem PicksItem #278628Brighten up any Christmas Tree, wreath, or household plant with these fabulous Christmas picksFlocked with vivid berriesDimensions: 42"H x 2"W x 2"DMaterial(s): plastic Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color |
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DKSA C5311 Club Pack of 24 Artificial Red Glitter Berry Picks with Green Leaves $144.77 Red Glitter Berry Picks. Item #C5311Sparkling red berries are drenched in dazzling glitterDimensions: 8 H. Material(s): syntheticPack includes 24 of the pick shown |
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Berry $10.39 Berry |
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Uncle Jules DMEL 41325 Club Pack of 30 Fall Harvest Artificial Decorative Orange Berry Picks 14 in. $212.34 Autumn Orange Berry Picks. Item #41325. Festive orange berry picks create the perfect fall harvest atmosphere. Picks are perfect for autumn wedding arrangements or your Thanksgiving decor. Recommended for indoor use only if using outdoors place under a covered areaDimensions: 14 H. Material(s): foam/terylenePack includes 30 of the pick shown |
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DKSA C5336 Club Pack of 36 Artificial Glittered White Pine with Red Berry Picks 7 in. $193.03 White Pine With Red Berry Picks. Item #C5336Picks feature snow glittered pine and dazzling red berries. Perfect for craft projects or winter arrangementsDimensions: 7 H. Material(s): syntheticPack includes 36 of the pick shown |
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DKSA K1500 Club Pack of 48 Aqua Blue and Silver Mixed Berry Christmas Picks 7 in. $241.3 Aqua Blue and Silver Berry Mix Picks. Item #K1500Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these vibrate metallic silver and aqua blue berry picks each featuring gold leaf accents. Ideal for dry vase arrangements centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions: 7 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 48 of the pick shown |
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Club Pack of 12 Red/Green Glitter Acanthus Christmas Berry Picks 17 $94.99 From the Mod Holiday CollectionItem #44230Decorate your home with these festive glittered acanthus leaf with berry accent Christmas picksRed and green finishDimensions: 17" lengthMaterial(s): man-made materialsPack includes 12 of the pick shown Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color |
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Club Pack of 36 Artificial Glittered White Pine with Red Berry Picks 7 $99.99 White Pine With Red Berry PicksItem #C5336Picks feature "snow" glittered pine and dazzling red berriesPerfect for craft projects or winter arrangementsDimensions: 7"HMaterial(s): syntheticPack includes 36 of the pick shown Type: Decorations Color: White |
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Club Pack of 12 Red/White Glitter Acanthus Christmas Berry Picks 17 $94.99 From the Mod Holiday CollectionItem #44231Decorate your home with these festive glittered acanthus leaf with berry accent Christmas picksRed and white finishDimensions: 17" lengthMaterial(s): man-made materialsPack includes 12 of the pick shown Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color |
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DMEL 44231 Club Pack of 12 RedWhite Glitter Acanthus Christmas Berry Picks 17 in. $183.38 From the Mod Holiday Collection. Item #44231Decorate your home with these festive glittered acanthus leaf with berry accent Christmas picks. Red and white finishDimensions: 17 length. Material(s): manmade materialsPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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RINC 35462 Pack of 12 Artificial Frosted Pine#44; Pine Cone Berry Christmas Picks 18 in. $221.99 From the Tis the Season Collection. Item #35462Frosted artificial picks each feature pine pine cones and berry accents. Perfect for adding new life and interest to garland wreaths and Christmas treesDimensions: 18 H. Material(s): styrofoam/polyesterPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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DMEL 36207 12 All That Glitters Red Glittered Berry ChristmasWeddingHoliday Picks 16 in. $106.16 From the All That Glitters Collection. Item #36207. These artificial picks are the perfect accent to any Christmas arrangement or craft projectDimensions: 16 L. Material(s): Plastic/wirePack includes 12 of the picks shown |
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DMEL 36209 12 All That Glitters Green Glittered Berry ChristmasWeddingHoliday Picks 16 in. $106.16 From the All That Glitters Collection. Item #36209. These artificial picks are the perfect accent to any Christmas arrangement or craft projectDimensions: 16 L. Material(s): Plastic/wirePack includes 12 of the picks shown |
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DMEL 36210 12 All That Glitters Brown Glittered Berry ChristmasWeddingHoliday Picks 16 in. $106.16 From the All That Glitters Collection. Item #36210. These artificial picks are the perfect accent to any Christmas arrangement or craft projectDimensions: 16 L. Material(s): Plastic/wirePack includes 12 of the picks shown |
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Pack of 12 Artificial Frosted Pine, Pine Cone & Berry Christmas Picks 18 $114.99 From the Tis the Season CollectionItem #35462Frosted artificial picks each feature pine, pine cones and berry accentsPerfect for adding new life and interest to garland, wreaths and Christmas treesDimensions: 18"HMaterial(s): styrofoam/polyesterPack includes 12 of the pick shown Type: Decorations Color: Green |
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DMEL 40039 Pack of 12 Christmas Greens Red Berry#44; Pine Leaves Winter Holiday Picks 14 in. $173.73 From the Christmas Greens Collection. Item #40039Bring a festive burst of color into your home this holiday season with these nature inspired red berry pine and leaves decorative picks. Each arrangement is accented by sparkling glitter accents.Ideal for dry vase arrangements winter centerpieces and sprucing up Christmas wreaths garland and trees.Dimensions of each pick: 14 HMaterial(s): styrofoamNOTE: Recommended for indoor use if using outdoors place under a covered areaPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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DMEL 40071 Pack of 12 Christmas Greens Silk Poinsettia#44; Pine Berry Holiday Picks 14 in. $125.47 From the Christmas Greens Collection. Item #40071Bring a festive burst of color into your home this holiday season with these nature inspired winter pine and berry picks each accented by sparkling glitter accents.Assortment includes a silk white poinsettia flower or snow kissed pine cone with each pick.Ideal for dry vase arrangements winter centerpieces and sprucing up Christmas wreaths garland and trees.Dimensions of each pick: 14 HMaterial(s): polyesterNOTE: Recommended for indoor use if using outdoors place under a covered areaPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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Picks! $10.91 This guide covers all kinds of picks: fantastic picks of assorted shapes and designs--made of ebony and ivory, stone and silver; kaleidoscopic, translucent celluloid picks in stunning colors; miniature works of art; engineering marvels, complete with wire loops, corks, and corrugated holes, and more. 120 color photos. |
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DKSA C5094 Pack Of 24 Green Holly With Red Berries 18 in. Picks $183.38 Pack of 24 Green Holly With Red Berry Picks. Item #C5094From the Flower Power collection. Features a shimmering red and green color combination. Bold embellished appearanceDimensions: 18 L. Material (s): synthetic |
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VCO P104101 Pack of 12 Whimsical Icy White Sparkle Berry Christmas Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 White Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104101Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling icy white glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements wedding centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104103 Pack of 12 Whimsical Sangria Red Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Red Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104103Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling sangria red glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements Christmas centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your holiday wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104106 Pack of 12 Whimsical Plum Purple Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Purple Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104106Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling plum purple glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104107 Pack of 12 Whimsical Silver Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Silver Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104107Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling silver glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements wedding centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104108 Pack of 12 Whimsical Gold Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Gold Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104108Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling gold glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements Christmas centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104109 Pack of 12 Whimsical Cerise Pink Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Cerise Pink Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104109Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling cerise pink glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104111 Pack of 12 Whimsical Champagne Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Champagne Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104111Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling champagne gold glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements wedding centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P104114 Pack of 12 Whimsical Avocado Green Sparkle Berry Autumn Crafting Spray Picks 27 in. $102.3 Pack of 12 Green Sparkle Berry Sprays. Item #P104114Bring an eyecatching burst of color into your home with these sparkling avocado green glitter drenched berry sprays each featuring a whimsical looped design. Ideal for dry vase arrangements centerpieces and adding extra sparkle to your wreaths the decorating possibilities are endless.Dimensions of each spray: 27 L. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoamPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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Pack of 6 Rustic Lodge Glittered Holly/Berry/Pine Christmas Floral Picks 13 $84.99 From the Rustic Lodge CollectionItem #44116Features glittered holly and pine floral picks dispersed with multi-colored berriesColor: tiffany/burgundy/greenDimensions: 13"Material(s): plastic/glitterPack includes 6 of the spray shown Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color |
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Pack of 6 Gold Sparkling Glitter Berry Star Christmas Spray Picks 34 $58.99 Sparkling Glitter Berry SpraysItem #P105008Decorate your home with these sparkle Christmas sprays accented with stars and berries, coated in gold colored chunky glitterColor: goldFully dimensionalDimensions: 34 inches highMaterial(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoam Type: Decorations Color: Gold |
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Pack of 6 Silver Sparkling Glitter Berry Star Christmas Spray Picks 34 $58.99 Sparkling Glitter Berry SpraysItem #P105007Decorate your home with these sparkle Christmas sprays accented with stars and berries, coated in silver colored chunky glitterColor: silverFully dimensionalDimensions: 34 inches highMaterial(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoam Type: Decorations Color: Silver |
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Pack of 6 Purple Sparkling Glitter Berry Star Christmas Spray Picks 34 $58.99 Sparkling Glitter Berry SpraysItem #P105006Decorate your home with these sparkle Christmas sprays accented with stars and berries, coated in purple colored chunky glitterColor: purpleFully dimensionalDimensions: 34 inches highMaterial(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoam Type: Decorations Color: Silver |
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Pack of 6 Red Sparkling Glitter Berry Star Christmas Spray Picks 34 $58.99 Sparkling Glitter Berry SpraysItem #P105003Decorate your home with these sparkle Christmas sprays accented with stars and berries, coated in red colored chunky glitterColor: redFully dimensionalDimensions: 34 inches highMaterial(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoam Type: Decorations Color: Red |
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Pack of 6 White Sparkling Glitter Berry Star Christmas Spray Picks 34 $58.99 Sparkling Glitter Berry SpraysItem #P105001Decorate your home with these sparkle Christmas sprays accented with stars and berries, coated in white colored chunky glitterColor: whiteFully dimensionalDimensions: 34 inches highMaterial(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoam Type: Decorations Color: White |
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DMEL 40038 Pack of 12 Winter Solace Artificial Berry#44; Pine and Leaves Christmas Picks 14 in. $193.03 From the Winter Solace Collection. Item #40038Bring a soothing touch of nature into your home this holiday season with these artificial offwhite berry pine and leaf adorned picksDimensions: 14 H. Material(s): styrofoam/polyesterPack includes 12 of the pick shown |
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VCO P105001 Pack of 6 White Sparkling Glitter Berry Star Christmas Spray Picks 34 in. $96.51 Sparkling Glitter Berry Sprays. Item #P105001Decorate your home with these sparkle Christmas sprays accented with stars and berries coated in white colored chunky glitter. Color: white. Fully dimensionalDimensions: 34 inches high. Material(s): plastic/glitter/styrofoam |