Gifford Pinchot huckleberry picking permits open By The Chronicle Share: CENTRALIA— Berry pickers rejoice: Huckleberry season is beginning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service this week publicized its applications for the free-use berry permits, which are required for recreators looking to pick huckleberries. No fee is required, and applications can be found at apps.fs.usda.gov/gp/. Berry pickers should carry a physical or virtual copy of their permit along with conditions for use and a map of the forest where huckleberries can be picked. Up to a gallon of berries can be picked per day, or a total of three gallons each year.