Morel
Mushroom Hunting
During the
next two months,
March madness
will be replaced
by Morel
Mushroom madness
throughout
Michigan.
I am already
getting
inquiries so I
will offer a
little advice
about this
Michigan
treasure.
First,
You can eat any
mushroom once.
There's "No Cure" for mushroom poisoning!
If you consume a naughty one, you will either live, or die. Either way you're
going to regret it!
Second,
if you plan to
search for
these, educate
yourself.
Try
www.morels.com
and go from
there, correctly
identifying
morels is vital.
It is a good
idea for first
timers to go
with someone who
has some
experience.
Please don't
pick all the
little ones.
Third,
if you are going
for the first
time or taking
children, dress
appropriately.
You will be
hunting in wild
areas and should
plan for cold
wet conditions
that may contain
poison ivy or
trolls.
Fourth,
ask permission
before entering
private property
and respect
postings and
fences.
There are plenty
of hiking and
nature trail
areas in state
parks.
Finally
don't waste your
time asking
where to find
Morels.
Those have a
favorite hunting
place will keep
it a secret.
You could
torture these
guys and they
won't tell you.
However, here
are some clues.
Look near fruit
or nut trees
especially with
good drainage.
Some say that
oak trees are
best and some
say red oaks
specifically.
I have found
lots of
mushrooms under
apple trees.
Warm nights make
for fast growth.
Morel hunting
in the U.P. will
be better in May
rather than
March.
Local
knowledge can be
handy for first
timers.
Here is a link (Morel
B&B's)
to a page of B &
B's and Inns who
can help.
If you plan to
go for a
weekend, stay at
one of these.
Each of them can
give you
directions to
likely morel
patches.
Look at the
various Month
pages on
www.michiganartsandcrafts.com
for Morel
Mushroom
Festivals in
Osseo and
Mesick. |
