Spring 2006

ASK THE STEWARD

I am a novice morel mushroom hunter. Can you share a few secrets on Finding these tasty morsels?

We’re getting into some confidential territory. The first rules of mushroom hunting are of course respect the land- do not trespass. That said, here are a few pointers that have worked for me. prime morel mushroom hunting starts about the time the oak leaves are near the size of a mouse’s ear and concludes not much beyond mother’s day. Tree species that seem to signal or positively influence morel growth are large ash, tulip polar, apple and of course dying American elm trees. The elm tree produces most abundantly within 2 years of its demise, while the bark is still on the tree and its juices not fully drained. The elm is especially reliable when seeking the "big yellow sponge" morel.

Dry site woods, ridge tops and areas heavy to oak generally do not produce morel mushrooms in any abundance. It is the more moist sites, and east and north facing forest hillsides that yield ’shrooms. Well drained creek bottoms are ok. Beyond these secrets is the whole world of ’shrooming in the old strip mine spoils now covered in forest. They can be fantastic producers.

Besides working up a hunger, this reminds me of the largest morel mushroom I have ever found. In fact, it was so big I did not have the heart to pick it. Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against big mushrooms- they are quite tasty and make a wonderful sandwich. It's just that this one was so large it had a family of wild hogs living it its hollow stem and I did not want to take away their home! You should hear my fishing story. Happy hunting!

 

I can't wait to get back out in the woods. What are some key things I can do in my forest as spring approaches?

What a great time to be in the woods. To see a forest change with nature is a miraculous thing and spring is one time when the changes occur rapidly. Of course this is a key time for mushroom hunting.

If you are into a challenge, spring is a great time to see how your woods behave in the rain. It is an unmatched experience to the senses. The dormant streams come to life, forest roads and trails show where improvements are needed, and new forest smells and sounds greet the hearty visitor. A forest walk in the rain does involve some dangers. The forest ground is slippery, the weather colder, more branches fall (trees too) and it is easier to become disoriented. So proceed with caution and stay out of the woods during storms.

Spring months are great times to do fence and property line work. New fence posts drive easily into the soft spring soil and, with most trees still naked of leaves, finding property markers and old fence remnants are simplified. Timber inventories, marking timber for sale and doing timber stand improvement are also easier when the forest is in a leaves-off condition.

And, finally who can top the show of the season- spring flowers! Grab yourself a good field guide and romp the woods in search of "spring-beauty"-one of the first flowers of the year. Watch for other common spring flowers like may-apple, trillium, toothwort, trout-lily, bluebells and two of my personal favorites "green dragon" and "fire pink".

Here’s a mushroom tip: the may-apple often signals morel mushroom territory.

For more information I.D.N.R. Division of Forestry 402 West Washington, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or call 317-232-4105

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