Morel Mushroom Hunting

[Dennis1209]

At 60 years old, I went out yesterday for the first time ever morel hunting in the woods, and could use a little advice from the experienced. They should be popping up now I believe. I know what they look like as I've had some given to me years ago, yum yum!

I'm thinking I may not be making them out with the camouflaged leaf litter in the woods? Anyway, I hear they will grow along creeks and hill sides. Do you suppose you might find more (or any) mushrooms on the South or North side of a hill? My logic would presuppose they might not like the sunny South side of a hill due to the extra sun drying them out? Any suggestions guys and gals? Thanks.

[Lumber_Jack]

North side, around old stumps or down debris. Wetter areas, not swamps but you know what I mean.

[Dolomite_supafly]

It is too early yet. Probably mid April before they are out in numbers and at a decent size. They can be found earlier but they are generally smallish They generally pop about the same time as ramps.

Last year we found over 7 pounds with 5 pounds of them in a single outing.

This is a single outing and we literally found all of these within an hour.

And before you ask, it is our secret. I have found no correlation between north side vs. any other side. I will say the soil tends to be on the dry side though. And if you see one there always is more within 10 feet.

There are two different types, grays and tans. The grays tend to be smaller and more flavorful while the tans get much larger. The most flavorful parts are the stems. It is also better to cut them at the stem and leave the "roots". That seems to keep them coming back.

Dolomite

[Lumber_Jack]

This link is for Missouri but should hold pretty true to Tennessee.

http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/how/mushrooms/munchable-morels

[Raoul]

Definitely look around areas of downed trees. They like the rot.

[gregintenn]

Anywhere something has burned is also a very good place for them. We once burned firewood, and the place in the woods behind the hous where we dumped the ashes was coverd in them every year. I also have found them in good number in pieces of woods that have been previously burned.

They're sure good at hiding from you!

Edited March 15, 2012 by gregintenn

[Dennis1209]

This link is for Missouri but should hold pretty true to Tennessee.

http://mdc.mo.gov/di...unchable-morels

Everything I wanted to know! Thank you very much!

[Timestepper]

Up home in <considerably drier> Kansas the old rule of thumb about the right time to hunt morels is, "First rain after the redbuds start blooming." I'd think that rule would work in NW Tennessee as well.

Luck to you!

[dlm37015]

i look for mine in the whole food store in green hills

[MacGyver]

i look for mine in the whole food store in green hills

Bet you find 'em every time, too. Just have to fight off the Green Hills crowd to get them.

[subsonic]

I once found a patch of yellow morels in a field on our former property, out in the bright sunlight. Almost ran over them with a walk behind bush hog. I'm told they're partial to the ground near hickory trees and sometimes tulip poplar. I've always had more luck finding oyster mushrooms in the winter months.