It’s that time of the year again. The first day of spring has come and gone. The snow has melted, the ground is heating up, and the landscape is slowly changing from burnt brown to prosperous green. And Michiganders are beginning to exchange indoor time for outdoor activities. As April showers will bring May flowers, Mother Nature also has one of Michigan’s most-sought edible species growing amongst the forest floor – morel mushrooms.
Morel mushrooms are a distinct type of fungus with a honeycomb-patterned cap, ranging in color from yellow to black. The color and type of morel is thought to be based on the habitat in which they are grown – from deciduous forests to areas of prescribed wildfire – but for many years the growth patterns of this species have been unpredictable. Morels are prized for their unique flavors and their capability of being paired with just about any cuisine, sauteed in butter, or as an addition to a meat dish or soup. Although the taste is generally the main appeal, the hunt for the morel mushroom can be equally as enticing, with favorite spots being closely guarded secrets.
Here are some hunting tips to help you get started:
Wear long sleeves, pants, and close-toed shoes.
When walking through wooded areas, it is important to make sure that you are fully covered to avoid poison ivy, thorns, sumac, and other harmful plants that can cause skin irritation. As it warms up, it is also important to protect yourself from pests like ticks and mosquitos, which are generally in abundance in the spring months.
Pack a bag.
A morel identification book is a great tool to include if you are not going with an experienced morel hunter. This will help you identify the different types of species so that you are not coming home with a bag full of false morels. Another important thing to pack is a GPS or a cellular device with a GPS application. Many areas in which you may be hunting will be heavily wooded which can hinder your sense of direction. Remember to bring water as well so that you do not get dehydrated during your hunt.
And finally, the most beneficial item to pack and use while hunting is a mesh bag. Using a mesh bag allows spores of the morel to disperse to help increase and maintain the morel population.
Beware of poisonous mushrooms.
According to the Michigan DNR, there are at least 50 types of poisonous mushrooms that grow in Michigan. Although some people are not affected by false morels, others can experience major stomach upset, loss of muscular coordination, and in some extreme cases, the results can be fatal if eaten in large quantities or over several days in a row. Look to the cap for key features that will help you identify a true morel: Pay attention to the shape and texture of the cap — it should be longer than it is wide, and it should have a honeycomb-like texture as opposed to wavy. The cap should be completely connected to the stalk, from the top to the bottom; there should be no open space. When the mushroom is cut in half, it should be completely hollow. If you can easily twist the cap off because it’s attached only at the very top of the stalk, it’s likely a false morel.
Get familiar with growing areas and patterns.
There are certain areas in which the best hunting is done. These include deciduous forests (ash, sycamore, tulip trees, and dead and dying elm trees), fertile soil areas, shaded places, moist pine trees, old apple trees, and occasionally in landscaping. The morel mushroom is very diverse in its growing areas.
Morels begin to pop up around spring each year. It has been said that they begin growing once the snow melts around March and April and appear during May or June. There has been a strong correlation between the morel and weather, precipitation, and tree species. The best time to hunt morels during the week is usually a sunny day after a rainfall.
Keep your eyes peeled.
The best time to hunt is usually early morning when the sun is shining. Walk slowly with your eyes scanning 10 to 15 feet ahead of you. Typically where there is one growing, there are more lying in the same area. Pinch or cut the stem of the morel at ground level. But be conscious of where you are hunting; if it is state land, you’re free to roam, but if its private property, seek permission from the owners beforehand. If you have questions about a patch of land, please visit the Michigan DNR Website for more details.
Attend a morel festival.
Mesick, Michigan is the morel mushroom capital of the United States. Every year Mesick hosts a mushroom festival from May 12-14th. The festival consists of a mushroom contest, carnivals, a 5k run, and many other various activities. For more information visit the Mesick Mushroom Festival website.
Boyne City, Michigan also hosts a morel mushroom festival. This festival takes place from May 18-25th. According to the website: “For a few short days, everything is all about mushrooms.” Hunting spots and recipes are shared, and the whole town comes together to celebrate the morel mushroom season. For more information, visit the Boyne City Morel Festival website.
Need a place to stay while you attend a morel festival? There are a few MARVAC parks in the area that are taking reservations. Review our interactive map to find the perfect location to end the day with a morel cookout!