Morel Hunting

Spending time in the woods will definitely bring some rare opportunities, not to mention the chance to just listen, and observe. Today I saw a small flock of indigo buntings in the middle of the woods, probably fresh from traveling thousands of miles from their winter residence. These little birds are BRIGHT BLUE, almost electric, and rarely seen more than a couple times per year. This brings me to the reason I was in the woods in the first place. I was searching for the rare delicacy - the MOREL MUSHROOM. I only started hunting them about four years ago, and got really excited the first time I came across my first cluster under an old apple tree on a hiking trail. Since then, I've learned a ton about how to help your search. I've read some books, watched some videos, and even became better at identifying trees. Timing is important. Weather with evenings in th 40's or so with days reaching at least 60ish. Look for may apples popping up, trillium blooming in the woods, and some good rain always helps mushrooms. I bring a good stick or machete to move or cut brush to look around on the forest floor. Often, you want to look up - at tree types around. Any hardwoods can be a candidate, but the best are old apple trees, dead elm trees, dead ash trees, and areas where trees were logged out and poplars are growing up. I usually look for the right types of trees before even searching an area. It really helps your chances! Also keep in mind, a moist forest floor is helpful, but swampy areas where skunk cabbage is growing is too wet. The season only lasts for a few weeks, so get out there!