Morel Mushroom Hunting

Morel mushroom hunting is a pastime handed down through the generations for the most part. One is raised knowing what to look for where to look for it and when to look. This is a quick overview of what to do and the rewards of this tasty morsel. Number one rule for mushroom hunting is to ALWAYS be sure of what you are looking for.

There are not many mushrooms that can be mistaken for a true morel. Check out a wild mushroom book from the local library or look online. Once you know what you are looking for you have to know when and where. Never go into the woods unprepared. Always take a survival kit with you. Some things that you may include could be a whistle a compass, water bottle and the such. Know how to use the items in it just having a compass is not going to keep you from getting lost -- KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

You also need to carry a sack for the mushrooms in. It is most widely recommended that you carry a soft mesh bag. The theory is to drop the spores from the mushrooms drop back out onto the ground. Morels live in a wide variety of areas in the north. They may be found anywhere from elm, sycamore, apple trees and pine. So know your trees so that you don't just go wandering into the woods looking around just any tree.

The morels come in a variety of colors: black, grey, white and yellow and come up accordingly in this order for the season. The best time to hunt for these mushrooms are in the spring when the trees are in mouse ear stage. The season runs from 4 to 8 weeks.

Once you have yourself together and know what, when and where to look for it's time to hit the woods. Looking for the little beauties can be a tiring task but the reward is great. Venturing into the woods the morels can be found with as little as one or two around to hundreds in a "patch". If you begin locating them just remember stop and look before you move as not to trample on any. Once you have found them pinch the stem off as close as you can to the ground, DO NOT pull them up. Try not to dig and leave "markings" in the woods as so if you find a good hunting spot it is kept that way. People guard their best spots fiercely as many places the mushrooms return year after year.

When all is done, take the little morsels home and clean them. Split them down the middle and soak them in salt water. A variety of morel mushroom recipes can be found online. With a good season you can get lucky enough to find enough to preserve them and last from one season to the next. Happy hunting.