Mushroom hunting is in full swing and property owners are encountering some problems with mushroom hunters.

One resident who resides on over 20 acres of wooded area, mows trails through the woods to enjoy the beauty and “get away.” Within two hours Tuesday the property owner ran off three different persons hunting mushrooms on the property. The homeowner has the property clearly marked and numerous signs stating “No Trespassing, Private Property.”

The property owner stated “I should be able to safely walk with my children in the middle of the afternoon on my property without being startled by strangers on my property!”

Contact was made with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the law.

Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine reminds individuals “to be mindful of property owner’s rights as the weather has turned warmer.” He stated obtaining written permission from the actual landowner is the best recommendation if you are going to enter onto property that is not your own.

Rovenstine, along with Daniel Hampton, prosecutor, reiterated “trespassing, even for mushroom hunting, is a criminal offense in the state of Indiana and is punishable by law if convicted.