Mushroom Hunting in Southern Indiana

Everyone knows that April begins a time when flowers bloom, the birds sing, and nature awakens. However, in Southern Indiana the arrival of spring brings with it a type of madness like no other: mushroom season. The short span of time when morel mushrooms pop out of the forest floor attracts people in droves to hunt these small wonders. I come from a long line of mushroom hunters. The best hunting methods are discussed at our family gatherings like politics or the economy. I'll share a few with you and you can decide which are the most worthwhile.

Morel mushrooms have white stems and the caps can be found in three colors: black, yellow or gray. The caps are hollow and wrinkled like that of a sponge, hence the common name of yellow and gray sponge. Black mushrooms have a smaller, pointy cap and can be found later in the season. These aren't as popular as the yellow or gray, but can be just as tasty if cooked properly. Some mushrooms are poisonous, so you may want to begin with an experienced hunter or be sure to positively identify your morels before you eat them.

Morels can be found anywhere conditions are favorable. One of the few I've found was in my front yard! However, the best place to look is undoubtedly the forest floor. When you've found one, keep your eyes to the ground, since mushrooms are many times found in multiples. Some even suggest that they grow in a circular pattern. My family says to focus your hunt around dead or dying elm trees. Even elm stumps are a good place to start. Other trees to look near are pine and shag-bark hickory. I've been taught not to bother with sycamore trees--morels are rarely found there.

Some people say that morels can be found where May apples are abundant. My uncle swears by the south side of hills where moss grows on the trees. His pounds of mushrooms found every year makes him an expert in my book.

There's also usually debate as to when mushrooms can be found. Most agree that a good time to hunt is a warm morning after a night of rain. I once heard a family member state that mushrooms can't be found until the dogwood leaves are "no bigger than the ear of a mouse." I can't vouch for the validity of this advice, but I do know that morels tend to pop up overnight, so don't be afraid to visit the same spot more than once if you think the conditions are favorable there.

When you arrive home with your load of mushrooms, slice each one lengthwise and soak overnight in salt water to get rid of unwanted insects that might be living in them. Then coat them with egg, then flour or cornmeal and fry until golden brown. You'll never taste anything so delicious.

Although I've often tried my family's methods of finding morels, I didn't inherit "the gift". My only luck of discovering them seems to be to stumble across one or two accidentally. This spring, join the hunt. It's fun and, who knows, maybe you'll have better luck.