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MushHunter08
Mycological Pupil
Registered: 06/08/08
Posts: 522
Loc: B.F.E
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Morel Hunting Info
#9786761 - 02/12/09 06:51 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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I figured I would share this information with everyone. I know most people like to hunt actives, but this is for those that enjoy hunting fresh edibles as well.
Timing is critical in finding morels. They come up about six weeks after the ground thaws. It might be eight weeks, if dry weather slows down their growth. This means early April in Missouri, late April in Iowa and middle of May in northern Michigan. Experienced morel stalkers check an environment several times starting early and after every rain. Morels usually come up after a rain. The day after a rain is the best time to look for them. They will still be in good shape for 3-5 days, if someone else doesn't get to them. In about a week, they start to break down, and bacteria grow on them, which will make a person sick. So don't eat morels which are old and starting to break down. Some of the best places to find morels are......
• Near dead trees • Under and near Cottonwood trees • Under and near Poplar trees • Under and near Tulip Poplar trees • Under and near Ash trees **White Ash** • Under and near Apple trees • Under and near dead or dieing Elm Trees • In old apple orchards • On south-facing slopes • On north-facing slopes • **In sandy soil** • Near old sawmills • Near wood piles • In dried river bottoms and creek beds • Along river beds • At burn sites • Near railroad tracks • In Mayapple patches • Open fields • In Open green grass • Cemeteries • Along fence rows • Along roads • Near Stumps
In the early spring hunt Southern facing slopes. These areas will get more direct sunlight and warm the ground temperature much faster. Morels will tend to show themselves first in areas that will get more sunlight early on in the season.
Later on in the season, hunt Northern facing slopes. These areas get less direct sunlight and will tend to hold the moisture a bit longer. When the weather becomes more on the hot side morels will dry up and stop producing in areas with direct sunlight most of the day. By hunting northern facing slopes, you can actually extend your morel season a bit longer.
Normally when you find a morel usually there will be more near by. Get down close to the ground and scan the ground ahead of you instead of always looking straight down at it. Sometimes it is easier to see morels at a longer plane of view rather than trying to spot them looking straight down at them.
-------------------- "The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom...for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough." -William Blake- The most simple method of growing mushrooms: www.mushroomvideos.com MultiSync's lazy bastard print/syringe guide
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Bobzimmer
Crawlin' Kingsnake
Registered: 09/07/08
Posts: 8,696
Loc: NY
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Thanks for the tips, MushHunter!
-------------------- Mr. Mushrooms said: I will confess something that should be quite obvious, CC. I love mushrooms, i.e. fungi. I really do. I am talking about a strong feeling, i.e. emotion, for them. I think they are beautiful. I even dream of them.
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 48,355
Last seen: 15 hours, 10 minutes
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In California they like to grow with Douglas Fir. If there are no burns nearby I drive around back roads looking for dead douglas fir trees. When hiking through douglas fir forests you will find one per hour on average when they are in season, under a dead tree you might find 20. This recent rain will probably kick off the season in CA in the areas where the soil temperature is warm enough (the lowlands).
They always fruit first in areas with sunlight. The extra rain runoff from roads adds nutritious trace minerals (mostly lead) while increasing the number of fruits significantly.
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
Registered: 09/05/08
Posts: 1,050
Last seen: 9 years, 5 months
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Why would you do this to meeee
I've got morel fever
I can't stop thinking about them :/
A couple pictures from last season:
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Excellent thread!
I'm going to dispute this though:
Quote:
In about a week, they start to break down, and bacteria grow on them, which will make a person sick.
I like to take development shots of mushrooms. Last year I photographed a particular morel over the course of a month. When I found it, it was about 3 inches tall. It never grew another centimeter and it was in good shape until the last week, fresh as a daisy. In the last week temperatures soared into the 60's. I imagine how long a mushroom lasts has a lot to do with the temperatures.
I also watched some Hypholoma sublateritium grow over a 3 month period this winter. That has to be the slowest growing fleshly fungi I have ever seen.
Thanks for the hunting tips!
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MushHunter08
Mycological Pupil
Registered: 06/08/08
Posts: 522
Loc: B.F.E
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Quote:
Mr. Mushrooms said: Excellent thread!
I'm going to dispute this though:
Quote:
In about a week, they start to break down, and bacteria grow on them, which will make a person sick.
I like to take development shots of mushrooms. Last year I photographed a particular morel over the course of a month. When I found it, it was about 3 inches tall. It never grew another centimeter and it was in good shape until the last week, fresh as a daisy. In the last week temperatures soared into the 60's. I imagine how long a mushroom lasts has a lot to do with the temperatures.
I also watched some Hypholoma sublateritium grow over a 3 month period this winter. That has to be the slowest growing fleshly fungi I have ever seen.
Thanks for the hunting tips!
Yes I agree after thinking about it. I should have said depending on temperature. I live in the Midwest so during morel season it can sway heavily from one temperature extreme to the next. One day it will be very warm and humid and the next day you might have snow and ice!
-------------------- "The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom...for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough." -William Blake- The most simple method of growing mushrooms: www.mushroomvideos.com MultiSync's lazy bastard print/syringe guide
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luke2000
Stranger
Registered: 07/28/08
Posts: 103
Loc: new jersey
Last seen: 10 years, 7 months
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I'm starting to think they grow overnite I too have watched the growth of morels,Ive never seen them change in size.I have seen small ones that never change huh.
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schutzemdown
Waste of Space
Registered: 01/06/09
Posts: 4,048
Loc: The Hoosier State
Last seen: 13 years, 1 month
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: luke2000]
#9791822 - 02/13/09 06:02 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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I find 5-6 pounds in and around the old apple orchard next to my dads house every year! I need to start selling or something there is to many to eat in a year! Lots of other mushrooms to, I just got into hunting other species.
-------------------- Money can't buy you love, but it can buy you drugs. Try practicing safe sex and go fuck yourself! AMU
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trigger
non-trusted identifier
Registered: 08/13/06
Posts: 2,092
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these guys made me walk 250+ miles last spring.
here are some of last years pics!
record 11.5 inch 2/3 lb
--------------------
If you want to under stand me more better, use a hillbilly redneck voice while trans posing my words
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schutzemdown
Waste of Space
Registered: 01/06/09
Posts: 4,048
Loc: The Hoosier State
Last seen: 13 years, 1 month
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9791926 - 02/13/09 06:21 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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Whats your guys favorite way of eating them?
-------------------- Money can't buy you love, but it can buy you drugs. Try practicing safe sex and go fuck yourself! AMU
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Bobzimmer
Crawlin' Kingsnake
Registered: 09/07/08
Posts: 8,696
Loc: NY
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9791951 - 02/13/09 06:29 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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Nice shots! They make me hungry!
-------------------- Mr. Mushrooms said: I will confess something that should be quite obvious, CC. I love mushrooms, i.e. fungi. I really do. I am talking about a strong feeling, i.e. emotion, for them. I think they are beautiful. I even dream of them.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9792088 - 02/13/09 07:06 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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Damn, that's a lot of walking.
I only walked 100 yards and just found one.
Of course it weighed 27 pounds and was just under 4' tall. After that, I just gave up.
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Beege
gatherer
Registered: 08/02/08
Posts: 4,466
Loc: Germany
Last seen: 12 years, 4 months
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haha?
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MushHunter08
Mycological Pupil
Registered: 06/08/08
Posts: 522
Loc: B.F.E
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Quote:
Mr. Mushrooms said: Damn, that's a lot of walking.
I only walked 100 yards and just found one.
Of course it weighed 27 pounds and was just under 4' tall. After that, I just gave up.
I like to saute them in butter and a dash of garlic.
-------------------- "The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom...for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough." -William Blake- The most simple method of growing mushrooms: www.mushroomvideos.com MultiSync's lazy bastard print/syringe guide
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MasonsChild
Fellow Traveler>^..^<
Registered: 03/18/05
Posts: 657
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Good advice. I only check first and second year dead Elm trees. The more black bark the better. North and South dose not factor for me. The roadside advice is great, I usually don't turn off my car unless I have to grab a box because there are hundreds. You won't find them if you don't look. They are everywhere, just getting them at the right time before anyone else looks is the catch. There are not many in SE MN so don't bother looking here.
-------------------- Truckin' ain't for Sally's
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Basement Boy
Only two degrees of separation
Registered: 11/06/08
Posts: 580
Last seen: 14 years, 9 months
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I was in heaven last year while walking the AT. Was picking them fresh every day for a week or so and having them with my dinner. Freeze dried spaghetti tastes a hell of a lot better with a bunch of these in it. It is one of the few mushrooms that I feel confident picking from the wild. I would really like to get better at hunting mushrooms. I need to try and find someone near where I live, or at least with in a few hours, who would be willing to teach a noob a few things.
-------------------- Don't Panic It's Organic
Edited by Alan Rockefeller (02/19/09 02:51 AM)
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mushroomhunter10
Jack-Of-All-Trades
Registered: 10/04/08
Posts: 3,360
Loc: Midwest
Last seen: 8 years, 9 months
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Quote:
Mr. Mushrooms said: Damn, that's a lot of walking.
I only walked 100 yards and just found one.
Of course it weighed 27 pounds and was just under 4' tall. After that, I just gave up.
Wtf?
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Yeah, how could a person NOT find that one?
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BoulderBoomer
Super Tramp
Registered: 04/24/03
Posts: 347
Loc: Kanchanaburi Province, Th...
Last seen: 4 years, 2 months
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In the foothills/mountains of Colorado, besides the cottonwood groves along the riverbeds, I learned on a Colorado Mycological Society foray that black morels often grow at the interface between the aspen groves and the conifers. Good to know if you're hunting in that region
-------------------- "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." -Willy Wonka
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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You guys really have it made picking morels. The mountains extend the season by a long time. Can't you like pick them from June through August or something stupid like that?
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BoulderBoomer
Super Tramp
Registered: 04/24/03
Posts: 347
Loc: Kanchanaburi Province, Th...
Last seen: 4 years, 2 months
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You can typically follow the season uphill pretty late in the season, but the quantities that grow out here (at least in my experience) pale in comparison to the great lakes area. People often find white morels along the riparian corridors along the plains as early as April, and then slowly work up hill through the spring and early summer.
The lore in Colorado is that when the aspen leaves are the size of nickels, the time is right for morels in that area.
I live in the PNW now, so I'm curious to find out what the morel hunting is like out here. I've hunted Verpa bohemica here, but no morchella yet.
-------------------- "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." -Willy Wonka
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johnnyblaze2316
Registered: 11/05/08
Posts: 3,138
Loc: West coast
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as i read this thread all i keep thinking about is what "demystified" says about a morel hunters advice.........haha i personally have never hunted them, this will be my first spring.
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
Registered: 09/05/08
Posts: 1,050
Last seen: 9 years, 5 months
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CMON SPRING YOU SLOW BITCH!
20 degrees right now
I have to wait TWO MONTHS at least.
RAWRRRRRRRR
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GetHyphae
Stranger
Registered: 12/11/08
Posts: 212
Last seen: 2 years, 4 months
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9823670 - 02/18/09 11:40 PM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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What is the best time to go out? The day after it rains? 2 days after?
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
Registered: 09/05/08
Posts: 1,050
Last seen: 9 years, 5 months
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: GetHyphae]
#9824211 - 02/19/09 01:26 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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I'd say 1-2 days after it rains, on a nice sunny day
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Depends on where you are along the Great Lakes. Neither Ohio nor Pennsylvania are Michigan or Illinois. Michigan gets over 600,000 "visitors" coming in to hunt for morels each season. No other state can brag a number even close to that.
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trigger
non-trusted identifier
Registered: 08/13/06
Posts: 2,092
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during last years season, the morels were out in plenty, the hole duration of the season, regardless of rain. i hope this year is the same
--------------------
If you want to under stand me more better, use a hillbilly redneck voice while trans posing my words
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9825894 - 02/19/09 11:24 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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That's true, but last year was unusual for mushrooms around the planet. New species were being discovered left and right. Even I found a mushroom I was looking for over 20 years. I want a repeat but with the morels I made sure. I didn't eat a single one. I dried all of them to tide me over until I can find them again.
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mushroomhunter10
Jack-Of-All-Trades
Registered: 10/04/08
Posts: 3,360
Loc: Midwest
Last seen: 8 years, 9 months
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Which mushroom took you 20 years to find?
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Psilocybe caerulipes. If I'm not mistaken I'm the only member here that has found one since the Shroomery was created. Rare as Hen's teeth they are.
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
Registered: 09/05/08
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Last seen: 9 years, 5 months
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Any of you guys ever been ticketed for mushrooming?
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9831363 - 02/20/09 01:57 AM (15 years, 1 month ago) |
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I don't hunt where they ticket.
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
Registered: 09/05/08
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I didn't think I did either, but I heard of some people getting ticketed in my area, which didn't actually stop me...but made me pretty paranoid. Had to disguise my mushroom bag, tried to stay out of sight of people..etc.
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shachar
Registered: 09/15/04
Posts: 138
Loc: israel
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9832486 - 02/20/09 10:42 AM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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I find it today in 1 hour.
the variety of size color and shape is wide.
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trigger
non-trusted identifier
Registered: 08/13/06
Posts: 2,092
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: shachar]
#9832767 - 02/20/09 11:25 AM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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nice finds shachar!
sounds like picking is good in Israel, eaah?
--------------------
If you want to under stand me more better, use a hillbilly redneck voice while trans posing my words
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Bobzimmer
Crawlin' Kingsnake
Registered: 09/07/08
Posts: 8,696
Loc: NY
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: shachar]
#9833027 - 02/20/09 12:06 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Very nice finds! I'm jealous!
-------------------- Mr. Mushrooms said: I will confess something that should be quite obvious, CC. I love mushrooms, i.e. fungi. I really do. I am talking about a strong feeling, i.e. emotion, for them. I think they are beautiful. I even dream of them.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: shachar]
#9833709 - 02/20/09 01:50 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Well done, shachar.
I hope none of those are false morels. If you like you can send them to me for verification. I don't like to see anyone get sick.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
Registered: 09/28/07
Posts: 907
Last seen: 5 years, 10 days
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9834523 - 02/20/09 04:33 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Quote:
Chaos_ultt said: I didn't think I did either, but I heard of some people getting ticketed in my area, which didn't actually stop me...but made me pretty paranoid. Had to disguise my mushroom bag, tried to stay out of sight of people..etc.
In most states it's illegal to remove or take anything out of state parks, state forests and in some national forests, excluding legal hunting seasons. Most park rangers will turn there backs on mushroom, ramp and ginseng hunting but sometimes you'll come across one that is a major asshole that will ticket you big time. Most D.N.R. and wildlife officials will let it pass as long as you don't tear up the grounds/woods. That is unless you get an asshole rookie, those fuckers love to ticket anybody and everybody.
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist
Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 48,355
Last seen: 15 hours, 10 minutes
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9834541 - 02/20/09 04:38 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Almost all the places I hunt you are not allowed to pick mushrooms. If I am picking in a legal spot, that is completely by accident as I generally try to avoid following the law.
The law isn't all bad, its usually the same rule that stops people from taking all the trees.
I always hunt with a backpack though, I don't own any baskets.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9834605 - 02/20/09 04:51 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Quote:
gandalf579 said:
Quote:
Chaos_ultt said: I didn't think I did either, but I heard of some people getting ticketed in my area, which didn't actually stop me...but made me pretty paranoid. Had to disguise my mushroom bag, tried to stay out of sight of people..etc.
In most states it's illegal to remove or take anything out of state parks, state forests and in some national forests, excluding legal hunting seasons. Most park rangers will turn there backs on mushroom, ramp and ginseng hunting but sometimes you'll come across one that is a major asshole that will ticket you big time. Most D.N.R. and wildlife officials will let it pass as long as you don't tear up the grounds/woods. That is unless you get an asshole rookie, those fuckers love to ticket anybody and everybody.
Not in Pennsylvania. They actually encourage mushroom picking in some state parks.
It's awesome.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Quote:
Alan Rockefeller said:
I always hunt with a backpack though, I don't own any baskets.
Same here. Besides I think baskets are geh.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
Registered: 09/28/07
Posts: 907
Last seen: 5 years, 10 days
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Most people don't know about the laws in state/national parks/forests. The only reason I found out about it was because I got busted morel hunting in the New River Gorge National River once. The asshole charged me with picking shrooms and for destruction of property in the gorge, claimed I was digging up bushes and trees, total fine of $758.98! I fought it and got it reduced to just illegal mushroom hunting with a fine of just $145.
I try to follow the laws for the most part because I don't like to have to pay the fines and I grow dope. Don't want to give them any reason to come and search my properties. Also because my driver's license has been suspended since I was 18 for being stubborn and not paying my tickets. If a cop pulls me over I not only get another ticket but I also have to pay for towing and impound fees.
As far as baskets go, I don't own any either. For morel hunts I always use an old netted potato sack. That way I can spread the love (spores) around as I look for more.
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
Posts: 3,889
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9834736 - 02/20/09 05:17 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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That's crazy.How could picking mushrooms destroy property?
I would have come back and destroyed property for real after all that mess.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
Registered: 09/28/07
Posts: 907
Last seen: 5 years, 10 days
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9834806 - 02/20/09 05:29 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Quote:
DannyGlick said: That's crazy.How could picking mushrooms destroy property?
That's what the federal judge asked the park ranger. Also asked him "did he(me) have any digging tools and were his(mine) hands covered with dirt?" to which the ranger answered no. That's how I got it knocked down to just illegal picking.
Edited by gandalf579 (02/20/09 05:31 PM)
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mushroomhunter10
Jack-Of-All-Trades
Registered: 10/04/08
Posts: 3,360
Loc: Midwest
Last seen: 8 years, 9 months
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9834915 - 02/20/09 05:57 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Just be glad you didn't have a pound of actives already picked!!
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
Registered: 09/28/07
Posts: 907
Last seen: 5 years, 10 days
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I pick actives only on posted properties with written permission from the owners if it's not my own land.
Most cops and such won't bother you on private property unless you act suspicious or they see you picking shrooms in fields.
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mushroomhunter10
Jack-Of-All-Trades
Registered: 10/04/08
Posts: 3,360
Loc: Midwest
Last seen: 8 years, 9 months
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9835180 - 02/20/09 07:09 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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That's a pretty good idea. Instead of public, just visit private when hunting actives. Nice man.
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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trigger
non-trusted identifier
Registered: 08/13/06
Posts: 2,092
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there are no penalties in michigan as far as i know, there are many public mushroom spots. one spot produces hundreds of thousands of pounds each year, as many as 50 locals can be seen in a parts of the 5 square mile area each day. hundreds visit the spot over the season, some find few some 200 pounds, i camped there 3 days and had a blast running around like a mushroom picking madman, jogging with my "mushroom goggles" on, i'd run from patch to patch filling small paper bags, filling large paper bags with small bags all in my back pack. water, a knife, candy, erbs, hiking shoes, back pack, lighter, paper bags, small brush(for cleaning dirt), all in a back back, maybe a camera or a pack lunch. from the most public spots lots to be found, for privet picking more peaceful maybe less to be found tho is my fav. rambling on i just cant wait to find some shrooms....
--------------------
If you want to under stand me more better, use a hillbilly redneck voice while trans posing my words
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
Registered: 05/25/08
Posts: 13,018
Loc: Registered: 6/04/02
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9835310 - 02/20/09 07:52 PM (15 years, 30 days ago) |
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Damn man, you gotta post some picks this season when you're done! I would love to see that. I think you're right about Michigan law. Michigan has it right when it comes to that. I imagine the income the state receives from visitors every year is immense. The other states, Ohio is one, don't have a clue what they're doing.
Good luck with this season's hunt.
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Bobzimmer
Crawlin' Kingsnake
Registered: 09/07/08
Posts: 8,696
Loc: NY
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I was doing a little reading over at Mushroomexpert, and I saw that Gyrodon merulioides, a distinctive Bolete, grows in symbiosis with the Leafcurl Ash Aphid, which is parasitic on White Ash hosts. Diseased White Ash can be a prime yellow and black morel habitat in the East, so would it be safe to assume that Gyrodon merulioides could be used as a good indicator species for morels in certain areas? Obviously the seasons are different but spots can be marked and returned to in the proper season.
-------------------- Mr. Mushrooms said: I will confess something that should be quite obvious, CC. I love mushrooms, i.e. fungi. I really do. I am talking about a strong feeling, i.e. emotion, for them. I think they are beautiful. I even dream of them.
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Bobzimmer]
#9837483 - 02/21/09 08:14 AM (15 years, 29 days ago) |
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Trigger are you referring to Boyne City??
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trigger
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Quote:
mushroomhunter10 said: Trigger are you referring to Boyne City??
i go visit boyne morel fest to sell chainsaw carvings each year, i have been unable to find any good spots over there, my spot is on the other side of the state(near home). it gets nutty out in boyne, there will be 100 cars parked in one spot, trail riding is like highway driving.
also the morels grow by the black ash here, pines n poplar are good too, but when the yellow n grays show, i just run from ash to ash searching there radius of the branchs, moving on to the next ash, the morels usually come in thicker patches and of larger sizes near the ashes
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9837789 - 02/21/09 10:10 AM (15 years, 29 days ago) |
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I need a good Morel spot too.
I guess I'll know whose hand to shake if I see you up there!
I'm considering going to a HUGE apple orchard that my friend owns this Spring in Romeo/Armada area. I might find tons of Yellow Morels there, hopefully.
Which "general" location do you call home? Perhaps even a county if you're too apprehensive to say.
Thanks!
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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trigger
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alcona co i will be willing to take anyone for a guaranteed morel pick if there in my area of ne mi
if i go to the boyne fest i will be with the guy carving morels, bears fish alligators etc. not sure ive got a baby boy on the way should be here right before the season. the mesick morel fest is much better than boyne, for selling morels and all the rest.
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Edited by trigger (02/21/09 10:20 AM)
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9838027 - 02/21/09 10:56 AM (15 years, 29 days ago) |
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Congrats! Babies are awesome! I've never heard of mesick. I'll search it now.
I bet you make a couple thousand extra $ each Spring!
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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trigger
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if i go to mesick this year ill take some pics of the fest and the town. there is a carnival, flee market, beer tent, arts crafts, foods all for the great morel. on the corner of 37, and 115 during the weekend of may 8-10 (usually), there is an open sale of morel mushrooms, 60$ a pound last year, everyone sold out by sunday. there are around 15 people selling morels, the yellows and greys are in most demand. in the beginning of the year i dry and can the morels into jars, using heat to sterile and vacuum seal. i can keep my morels fresh for two weeks by storing them in small paper bags inside of a cooler. gathering as many fresh before the fest as i can, my jars of dried sell just not as well. anything left over and what i can gather before the next upcoming weekend goes to the boyne fest. not much for selling there, a few years back when the travel channel did a show in boyne about morels, the host couldn't sell her mushrooms for hours and finally gave them away, on the show she said she sold them for 60-80$ a pound, this drove the local [price up to 60$, thank you cristian gumm for your lies that helped our pickers.
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9838374 - 02/21/09 12:00 PM (15 years, 29 days ago) |
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I'm just eager to try some with Steak and Scallops!
The apple orchard I'll try is over a century old, so it should produce good amounts (I hope). It sucks, because I'm from Michigan and have only found a few Morels in my life...
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trigger
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i wouldnt rely on looking in just one spot, you can find the most ideal spot with no mushrooms, or a less than ideal spot with lots. the only real good tip i have is when looking for a spot to find morels, look for other morel pickers, and just walk further than the average. from my refrence most pickers walk up to a mile deep within a spot. it may take a mile to get to the spot, then walk far past any pickers you see, following similar environments, it works great.
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9839534 - 02/21/09 03:11 PM (15 years, 29 days ago) |
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Okay.
I'm targeting what I think might give me the highest chances for success. It does however, seem that the highest amounts found are above the "Rifle Line". If you've ever hunted then you know what I mean.
Thanks for the tips.
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Chaos_ultt
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What are your favorite morel recipes?
Also,
Do any of you hunt for wild edible plants too?
Ramps:
Bonus points for ID'ing this one:
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9842293 - 02/22/09 01:03 AM (15 years, 29 days ago) |
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The little leaf growing off a rhizome makes me think May Apple, but I don't know. I never pay attention to them when they are that small. I used to pick pounds of ramps every year and freeze them. They would always go to waste. Now I pick enough for a meal of liver and ramps for me and two other guys. I swear if you eat a mature red one raw with salt it is psychoactive.
The only way I eat morels is either in a gravy or sauteed in butter over steak. I've seen a lot of stuffed morel dishes but I wouldn't want to try them. I go with what I know.
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Chaos_ultt
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Nope, it's actually a nearly full grown Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9842742 - 02/22/09 06:51 AM (15 years, 28 days ago) |
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Interesting. It must be highly variable in form.
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trigger
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dandelion fiddlehead fern and cattail shoot some yummy plants that can be harvested while moreling.
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Edited by trigger (02/22/09 11:04 AM)
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Chaos_ultt
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9845220 - 02/22/09 04:59 PM (15 years, 28 days ago) |
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I made dandelion fritters last year that were pretty good
I really love the taste of violets. I think they'd probably go perfectly with a nice bowl of ice cream.
I've never tried violet leaves, but they're supposedly edible and good.
Garlic mustard is delicious to me, but I seem to have some stomach problems after eating it.
A bit after morel season, blackberries are everywhere around me. I like them in pancakes, and they can be used to make a good iced tea.
I hope to find some Jerusalem Artichokes this year. I bought them from the store under the name "sunchokes" and they were really good. They taste like a cross between a water chestnut, a potato, and a walnut.
Any other wild edibles that you guys enjoy?
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9845405 - 02/22/09 05:39 PM (15 years, 28 days ago) |
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I hear Pig Nuts are pretty darn good.
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9845963 - 02/22/09 06:54 PM (15 years, 28 days ago) |
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I've never eaten fiddlehead fern or cattails. I chewed some cattail root once. It wasn't too bad.
I've had:
Blackberries Blueberries Huckleberries Black Raspberries Ramps Wild Garlic Wild Onions Strawberries Paw Paws May Apples Sweet and Sour Cherries and Apples
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Chaos_ultt
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Hope to find some wild asparagus this year
I've never actually looked for it
Also going to try Day lilies (flowers and bulbs)
Last year I found exactly ONE wild strawberry, but it was the sweetest strawberry that I ever ate. I always seem to find massive quantities of Indian strawberries, but they're small and pretty tasteless.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9846080 - 02/22/09 07:08 PM (15 years, 28 days ago) |
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Ha! I've just started finding Indian strawberries. You're right, they're not very good.
I forgot to mention wild asparagus. Roadsides are good if you marked them the previous year and you can always check old railroad beds. I picked a place in Colorado where I harvested 22 quarts. Some of them were picked 20 yards behind an "organic" food store.
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trigger
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the way i find wild asparagus is in the fall when its huge and quite noticeable, make a aspergrass-map, come back in the spring.
the wild strawberries near lake Huron in sandy areas grow to be the absolutely tastiest strawberries ever, anyone here go picking berries and sell them on the market/street conner? its profitable and fun!
below wild immature strawberry (super tasty strain)
here are some recipes of natural, wild, local, dishes that i like to prepare during morel season, great for camping. simply wild soup the equivalent to 3 medium morels ( 1/2 cup) one large beefsteak (only for me,these mushrooms are posionous) 1/2 cup of leaks (whites only) handful of dandelion 3 6inch medium cattail shoots 1/4 cup fiddle head ferns (5-8 heads) a bay leaf or wild mustard if available and optional a woodcock or partridge recommended, (squirrel, trout, anything that moves will work also!)
chop everything 1 inch, mix 6-8 cups spring water and cook on low(campfire) 2-4 hours for best results, (at high 30 min will do) its super fresh super yummy, vegetarian style is excellent too!...... (if you really want to spice it up and get earthy, toss a spoonful of nice smellin dirt in the soup, the sand will settle, the aroma and flavor come alive! iam serious)
there is a spot where i can pick all the ingredients within a mile its sweet! ill post other recipes later.
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Chaos_ultt
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9847419 - 02/22/09 10:31 PM (15 years, 28 days ago) |
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Rock on!
I'll leave the squirrels to their business though :/
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9848662 - 02/23/09 06:08 AM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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A nice brace o' coneys would go fine with that soup. Seriously delicious!
Wild strawberries, even great patches, can yield crappy tasting fruit if the weather goes bad. I think the best tasting ones are rain, rain, rain when the berry is growing and full stop sun, sun, sun to ripen. Too much rain at time of harvest, like most other edibles, yields watered down, nasty tasting fruit. For me, the whole point of picking wild is to get great flavor I can't find in a cultivar.
Nice post.
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Chaos_ultt
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Where is that ginger picture from hongos?
I really think they have that plant mislabeled, or it is extremely variable in form.
Never seen any markings like that, and the lobes are never blunted like that either!
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gandalf579
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9850474 - 02/23/09 02:25 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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I'm surprised no one here has mentioned wild watercress or wild sorrel(rumex acetosa). Both are good in wild leaf salads. Some others are chicory, wild marjoram, arrowhead tubers, lamb's quarters, borage, barberries, wild mulberries, juniper berries and tips for teas along with spruce tips, sumac, sassafras, wild grapes, beech nuts, pine nuts and locust blossoms, love those dipped in a thin batter and deep fried.
And there's a berry here in West Virginia that grows on a bush like tree that I don't know the name of that are shaped like hawthorn berries but are a little smaller and are pinkish red (translucent like'ish) with little spots on the skins. When you eat just one or two, they are really tart tasting but when you eat a handful they are sweet and real juicy.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9850546 - 02/23/09 02:34 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Bobzimmer
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Registered: 09/07/08
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Loc: NY
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Indian Cucumber Root, Jerusalem Artichoke, May apple, Wild Grape
-------------------- Mr. Mushrooms said: I will confess something that should be quite obvious, CC. I love mushrooms, i.e. fungi. I really do. I am talking about a strong feeling, i.e. emotion, for them. I think they are beautiful. I even dream of them.
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DannyGlick
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Bobzimmer]
#9851903 - 02/23/09 06:32 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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My best place for morels has alot of black cohosh, jack in the pulpit,may apple,american elm,english elm,wild grape,dogwood,and ginseng in the area.
Lots of yellow and purple violets too.
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inski
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This is why common names are not that good, it is not ginger but the rhizome tastes similar! inski..
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: inski]
#9852457 - 02/23/09 08:04 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Exactly.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9852569 - 02/23/09 08:20 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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I've tried some of those, others I eat every year but didn't mention it. That's a great list although your state is known for wild edible foraging. I'm surprised you didn't mention 'sang.
I always wanted to try chicory but usually wherever I find them the soil is too hard. Same thing with Salsify, the Oyster Plant. I see it every year and I've even collected the seeds but I've never picked a root to eat. I've had plenty of wild watercress though. Great stuff. Wild Sorrel is something I eat every year when I'm out. I just don't consider it because I never eat more than a plant or two. I've picked Lamb's Quarters as a weed in the garden, turned around and had them for a vegetable.
I also like Marsh Marigold's. They make a great wild spinach if the leaves are picked young. I've never tried Poke either and I've weeded tons of it.
I've picked wild grapes and made jelly out of them. Dug sassafras, peeled the roots and made tea, once. Way too much work if you ask me.
I've tried wild nuts too, Walnuts, White Acorns, Hickory nuts and a few others. Too much bother for me too.
I've tried violets dusted with powdered sugar once or twice. Fancy, but again, not worth the trouble for me.
Some of those you mentioned I'm unfamiliar with.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Bobzimmer]
#9852577 - 02/23/09 08:21 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Awesome photos!
I never knew what Jerusalem Artichokes looked like. I might try them this year. I see them all the time.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9852589 - 02/23/09 08:22 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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I've given up on associations, Danny. Morels seem to be anywhere or not at all.
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
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Quote:
Mr. Mushrooms said: I've given up on associations, Danny.
Me too,but where I find them in abundance the plants and trees are as I said.I think the nearby stone quarry may have something to do with it though, too.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9852677 - 02/23/09 08:38 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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STONE QUARRY?!?!?
Wouldn't happen to be something alkaline, would it?
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Mr. Mushrooms
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A little off-topic but:
Does anyone know what this thing is? It looks like Burdock but it isn't. I was on a plant rescue mission last year to save it but it was never id'ed. I think it's some kind of exotic.
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
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Well it's limestone that's quarried there.Wouldn't that (the dust that settles and ends up in the runoffs as a chalky sludge) neutralize any alkaline?
I've seen that plant before,don't know what they are.
Edited by DannyGlick (02/23/09 09:32 PM)
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9853038 - 02/23/09 09:33 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Fuck Danny, that's why the morels are there! Limestone IS alkaline!
It's the same story in Illinois and probably Michigan. pH, pH, pH!
High alkaline soil, decent runoff and enough humus to support growth. If an area like that doesn't have morels, grab a bucket of your washwater and GO!
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DannyGlick
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Quote:
Mr. Mushrooms said: Fuck Danny, that's why the morels are there! Limestone IS alkaline!
Cool.I didn't know that.
I did notice that them sorts of places were better than others.That's why I guess.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9853127 - 02/23/09 09:47 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
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I'm frustrating.I know.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9853181 - 02/23/09 09:56 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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No Danny, it's not that. I'm just playing. I do find it frustrating that so much bullshit gets slung about morels.
A little more science, please.
I wonder if everyone here knows about the morel maps they put up each year?
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
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You mean the Morel Progression Sightings Map?
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9853239 - 02/23/09 10:08 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Yeppers. That'd be it.
And they ask you to post your finds, AND people do!
The forum has threads with like 3 replies and 500 views. Plus I think the admins are mining ISP's for morel areas. One guy even charges for tours and hunts.
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Chaos_ultt
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Seems kinda pointless
I have a hard time NOT finding morels wherever I look.
For me, it's about waking up early enough to beat everyone else.
Last year I tried to get out by 5 a.m every day.
(not having a real job sure helps with that!)
Edited by Chaos_ultt (02/23/09 10:18 PM)
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9853323 - 02/23/09 10:23 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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You're lucky you live where you do, Chaos. I can go for years without finding a single morel. My area isn't prolific. Why? Sour soil and poor weather. Here it only tends to rain after it gets too hot for morels.
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Chaos_ultt
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Ugh talking about this is making me crazyyyy
plz hurry up spring
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gandalf579
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I didn't mention ginseng because I never eat it, it's too valuable. I always sell what I find. I've never bothered with Oyster plants before because there is just not much to them, don't consider them worth my time. If you drink coffee than chicory is good for stretching it if your camping for long periods. Just roast the roots and seeds, grind, crush and add to the coffee, tastes pretty good. Or just eat the seeds, young leaves and flowers raw, good salad additive. Same thing for violet blossoms.
As far as sassafras goes, don't bother with peeling the roots. All I do is rinse them the best I can to get as much of the dirt off that I can and then I bash the hell out of them and bring to a boil in water, take it off the fire and let it set still for a few hours. After it sets, gently pull the roots out and let it continue to set for another 30 minutes to an hour. Any dirt that was left on the roots will sink to the bottom of the pot and then you can dip the tea out with a cup leaving the last couple of inches of tea in the bottom of the pot, discard whats left. Or you can simply take a shit load of the leaves, crush the hell out of them and boil them to make a quicker tea. Won't be as strong but it's a lot easier.
As far as nuts go, ya it's a bit of bother but if you're camping for long periods, or primitive camping, they're worth every bit of it. Good source of protein.
A lot of the things I listed I learned from my Grandpa when I was a kid. He taught me a lot. Then I learned some more while I was in the Marines and a whole lot more while living in Alaska. West Virginia has a good amount of wild edibles but Alaska has tons more, you just have a shorter season to collect them. Most of what I've learned in Alaska I learned with the local native names and I don't know the english names for them. I can speak some of them but I can't write or read them.
Oh and that plant you posted looks familiar to me. I can't remember the name of it but I think it's related to milkweed, especially if it had a white milky juice when cut or broke. Out of curiosity, what state did you find it in? And can I e-mail a copy of the picture to a plant guy I know? He might be able to give a specific id for it, but then again he might not be able to, worth a try though.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9853407 - 02/23/09 10:38 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Hey, that's pretty cool, Gandalf. Thanks for sharing that. If you want you can e-mail the photo to your friend. It was found in Ohio. I think the sap was milky too. Just make sure and tell him the photo is copyright protected. You have rights to use it from me, Mr. Mushrooms.
Every year I tell myself I'll try chicory and every year I pass it by. Too busy with the mushrooms mostly. Good word on the salsify though. Maybe I'll try that too.
As far as 'sang goes, I've never picked a single plant. They are too rare in our area for me to do that in good conscience.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
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Posts: 907
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Your welcomed. As far as your photo goes, he'll delete the copy I send him after he ids it if he can. He's a university botany professor so he should be able to id it and if not it will bug the hell out of him until he does id it.
As to the 'sang, here in West Virginia it's strictly regulated. Any abusers of the season could face jail time and hefty fines both.
I'm still fuming over the asshole that dug up all of my plants (over 100) that were on my land last year even though he was caught. He's serving 10 years for it (and another 10 to 20 for crack production) but that doesn't do anything for me, I'll never see any of the money they would have produced. The fucker was dirt poor so I won't see any money from him and the cops seized all of his property for cooking up crack. Some of those plants were transplanted by my great great grandfather and added to from every generation.
The land has been in my family since colonial times. Unless I have kids to hand it down to I'll probably pass it on to one of my cousins if one of them is interested and will keep the land and buildings kept up. Otherwise I don't know what's going to happen to it because I'll be going back home to Alaska by this time next year and I won't be able to keep coming back here all the time to check on it. Maybe once or twice a year if I'm lucky.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9853699 - 02/23/09 11:36 PM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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Quote:
gandalf579 said: I'm still fuming over the asshole that dug up all of my plants (over 100) that were on my land last year even though he was caught. He's serving 10 years for it (and another 10 to 20 for crack production) but that doesn't do anything for me, I'll never see any of the money they would have produced. The fucker was dirt poor so I won't see any money from him and the cops seized all of his property for cooking up crack. Some of those plants were transplanted by my great great grandfather and added to from every generation.
Damn! That makes me angry and sad at the same time. My stomach flip/flopped when I read it and my face is probably the color of ash. I don't know if I mentioned it before but the only 'sang I ever planted was to replenish an area raped by sangers because the local newspaper printed the location and published photos of some 7 year-old roots from a public area. After that, it was never seen again. So, I planted some to increase the biodiversity.
At least the bastard is in jail. Like you say though, a lot of good it does you, or the plants passed down the generations from your family.
What a sad, tragic waste.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
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What's worse is when the cops confiscated all of the plants for the trial, the dumb asses didn't store them properly so everything rotted and went to waste! They ended up using photos for the trial and I got nothing but a lame ass "sorry" from the cops.
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9853822 - 02/24/09 12:00 AM (15 years, 27 days ago) |
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I'm so angry as it is I can't fall asleep even though I'm blind with fatigue.
This proves to me what I've long suspected. There are real idiots out there, Gandalf. Some of them are on our side.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
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Sorry about upsetting you. I'm tired as hell my self but can't fall asleep, suffer from sever insomnia. Burning a big ass joint right now in hopes that I can fall asleep sometime soon. Haven't slept for more than 30 minutes in the past 4 days. If I don't get any sleep tonight I'll have to resort to pills tomorrow night which I hate to do because they make me very irritable the next day and I'll hardly be able to stand myself let alone anybody else.
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9855183 - 02/24/09 10:17 AM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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Around 5 years ago, my best friend's mom made kimchi out of field garlic
It was good!
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lipa
Registered: 07/24/07
Posts: 2,684
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9855332 - 02/24/09 10:41 AM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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Morels sure like to pop up in the weirdest of places. This is the fifth time these morels have popped up in my artichoke patch this year.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: lipa]
#9855344 - 02/24/09 10:43 AM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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Sweet. Check the pH.
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
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I'll try to find a cheap pH meter and test the soil around my patches once the time comes
Any idea where to get one (aside from ebay)
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9855400 - 02/24/09 10:53 AM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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Any garden supply store should have one. I think the few of us that are planning on doing serious hunting should get one. They're pretty cheap. That way we can compare notes. I have two that I use. Both are aluminum probes. One is a single probe and the other is double.
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
Posts: 3,889
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Why do you use two?
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9856547 - 02/24/09 02:10 PM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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I don't know but I assume the meter with dual prongs have something to do with polarity. I rarely get dissimiliar readings though. When I check with single prong, I check with the other. Just habit. You should definitely get one if you don't have one already. I am very interested in your readings.
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DannyGlick
Registered: 04/14/08
Posts: 3,889
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I'm gonna pick one up today.
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9856855 - 02/24/09 03:03 PM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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If you have a Lowe's store nearby you can pick up a decent ph meter for under $10. I had one that measured light, moisture and ph levels. It worked pretty good up until I forgot that I had it in spot that I was testing the light levels at and I ran it over with my mower. It got slung so hard that it impelled itself in one of my apple trees. Note to self: be sure to mark the area next time with a flag.
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trigger
non-trusted identifier
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: DannyGlick]
#9857041 - 02/24/09 03:38 PM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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kmart has them in there seasonal section under$10
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If you want to under stand me more better, use a hillbilly redneck voice while trans posing my words
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Mr. Mushrooms
Spore Print Collector
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9858321 - 02/24/09 07:06 PM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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Sorry, that just struck me funny.
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mushroomhunter10
Jack-Of-All-Trades
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I'm sure if you researched taxonomy papers at Google Books you'd find all the information about Morels that your hearts desire.
They have great books there.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Yes, I've read some of it. As far as I know, Morchella taxonomy is messy at best. Kuo, from Mushroomexpert.com, recently published Morchella tomentosa. This is one mushroom I am more interested in finding than identifying. I actually eat these.
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Bobzimmer
Crawlin' Kingsnake
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Loc: NY
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mushroomhunter10
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Interesting species.
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Bobzimmer]
#9859248 - 02/24/09 09:10 PM (15 years, 26 days ago) |
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Nice link but Kuo doesn't know everything.
http://morelmushroomhunting.com/morel_progression_sightings_map.htm
Look up last year's finds. There's probably one near you.
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trigger
non-trusted identifier
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a note many people use onion bags to collect morels, a basket perhaps, supposedly the spores fall(not from a fresh morel), sure there may be tiny pieces of mushrooms falling may spread the growth, i personally think its all rubbish. the onion bags tear up your mushrooms, and if your hiking at a nice pace your mushies will mush from getting banged around. i use small paper bags, for several reasons-contamination from dirt, bugs, etc- damage -moisture levels-easier to keep air circulated-easier to handle in mass amounts while keeping nice fresh mushrooms. now, what about trying to spread growth? well the best way to give back is to take a buggy, bad mushroom, or you just may choose to sacrifice your best to the gods. take a fresh mushroom that hasn't "puffed" its spores yet and hang that guy as high as you can in a tree. with a stone on a thread over a limb, or if you climb, whatever just as high as you can. mushrooms drop spores near the ground, most of their spores dont make it far, the advantage of height gets the spores into the wind to spread growth....
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gandalf579
Mushroom Hunter
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9864911 - 02/25/09 06:35 PM (15 years, 25 days ago) |
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If you pick mature morels then they are putting out spores. That's the reason a lot of people use baskets and net bags. And I don't know about others here but myself I've never had my morels torn up from carrying them in net bags.
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Mr. Mushrooms
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9865097 - 02/25/09 07:03 PM (15 years, 25 days ago) |
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I hear what you are saying. We're going to test that hypothesis too this year if I find some morels. I'm going to hang some morels inside a box and thump it with a stick, and hang some other morels and not thump them. Then check to see the difference between the spore prints. I've always considered onion bags about as useful as tapping the caps of cubes. We'll see.
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trigger
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: gandalf579]
#9865163 - 02/25/09 07:13 PM (15 years, 25 days ago) |
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have you seen a morel "puff"? within 15minuts millions of spores are released, it happens when a certain amount of moisture is lost. i suppose this does occasionally occur when the mushroom is in a bag. when the mushrooms usually "puff" is during drying. if the just one mushroom is way up in the air will spread more spores further than mushroom crumbles hitting the ground. millions of spores in the air stream. the ground in a forest is not a good way to get things into the air, the air currents just dont hit the forest floor like they do the trees. in an area with morels present, spores are abundant on the forest floor, most of morels growth within an area is spread by mycelium spreading not new growth from spores. morel spores dont take well, spreading them out of the area is more useful than within. let the wind do the work, let a morel dry in a tree, after it dries even retrieve it if you wish.
as for having problems with mushrooms breaking, the paper bag is more sturdy, it regulate water and heat better than an onion bag. when you pick 10 pounds in on a hike onion bags make a mushie mess.
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If you want to under stand me more better, use a hillbilly redneck voice while trans posing my words
Edited by trigger (02/25/09 07:36 PM)
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mutant
Cynic
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9865739 - 02/25/09 08:35 PM (15 years, 25 days ago) |
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Well, I didn't read all the thread. There are some things I didn't see.
1st, great places where morels thrive is burnt forests [last years fires, that is]. They fruit in massive amounts for 2 seasons..
2nd, there is an indicator species: Caloscypha fungens, an orange peziza- like mushroom easy to spot. [fir forests]
I also think it likes sandy places, propably has been said...
Edited by mutant (02/25/09 08:36 PM)
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Chaos_ultt
Stranger
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: mutant]
#9866412 - 02/25/09 10:09 PM (15 years, 25 days ago) |
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Well around here in Illinois, there are literally NO sandy areas to be found.
However(and this seems to fit with Mr. Mushroom's theory, the entire area where I find them is made up of mostly limestone. I think the pH really might have something to do with it.
I'll try to grab one of those meters and get out to the field for a reading.
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mushroomhunter10
Jack-Of-All-Trades
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9867927 - 02/26/09 06:36 AM (15 years, 24 days ago) |
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When I go I use baskets for the simple reason that they might spread more because of it. I know it's but whatever!
I want them to spread and that's why I do it! Now if I can find some is a different story...
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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Chaos_ultt
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So I bought a pH meter today -- a cheapish 2 pronged one from Kmart.
I took a hike down to a few of my morel spots and took some readings (each reading is from a seperate area known to produce morels).
6.5 6.0 6.2 5.3 6.0 5.9
Bear in mind all of these readings were taken within 1-2 square miles.
An interesting note, the lowest pH was the area of highest elevation.
Edited by Chaos_ultt (02/27/09 09:25 AM)
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9876952 - 02/27/09 12:57 PM (15 years, 23 days ago) |
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What were the PH readings in places that don't produce morels?
Morel season is here, one black morel was found in Jones County, GA yesterday.
See http://morelmushroomhunting.com/morelfinds.html
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luke2000
Stranger
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: Chaos_ultt]
#9876980 - 02/27/09 01:00 PM (15 years, 23 days ago) |
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Out here in jersey we have all granite no sand,very black soil with low ph. What do you make of that? And Ive pick morels in this spot for 15 years,and no burn.
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trigger
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: luke2000]
#9877700 - 02/27/09 02:40 PM (15 years, 23 days ago) |
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hey alen, that's a gray morel? Morchella esculenta...
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mushroomhunter10
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Re: Morel Hunting Info [Re: trigger]
#9880440 - 02/27/09 08:23 PM (15 years, 23 days ago) |
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Links like these can also be very useful tools to help you all.
Soil Temperature Maps http://www.greencastonline.com/SoilTempMaps.aspx
Precipitation Maps http://www.fas.usda.gov/pecad/weather/us.html
-------------------- Imagine if you needed it and it wasn't there... GIVE BLOOD Get a free (PAINLESS) bone marrow testing kit and help save lives HERE. Jesus if you're reading this, please come back already. We need you now more than ever! The U.S. Constitution! Best WBS Tek EZ Potato-Honey Agar Tek MY TRADES
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