Newbie Morel questions

[gundy89]

Starting my first morel season this year and got out this afternoon. Got into some little Grey ones. I'm pretty sure that this are legit, but I'm a little skeptical as I've never done this before. Other than size they're pretty much all the same. Snapped a picture of them.

So my questions are this.

1) Do these look ok?

2) Is there a "slot" limit or anything like this that is more benefical to them? Or do you just harvest when you can?

3) Other than cutting them off and using a mesh bag is there anything else I neeed to do?

[JIvers]

(1) Those are gray morels in your picture. They look a bit dry, but should be fine to eat.

(2)There is no bag or slot limit. IMO, pick 'em where and when you find 'em, especially if you are hunting public land.*

(3)Cut them in two before cooking morels, and check if there is any wildlife in them. There are little black beetles that like to live in them, as do slugs. If you cook those critters up they're just more protein, but some people find it distasteful to eat them.

* Not to start these debates again, but:

There is no scientific evidence that mesh bags do anything to help spread spores. I use plastic bags when I pick morels. There is no harm in using a mesh bag, but it probably does no extra good.

Leaving morels that you find in the ground probably doesn't do anything for future mushroom numbers, either. Morels release their spores--millions of them--as soon as they pop, and a million spores from one morel goes a long way.

I have not seen any evidence on my timber in SE Minnesota that leaving a morel for another day allows them to grow much larger. A little maybe, but not much.

On the other hand, when I hunt public ground in SE Iowa, morels grow amazingly if you leave them in the ground. When you leave morels on public land, they grow legs and jump right out of the ground, leaving only a stem and some huge footprints behind when you check them the next day. Sometimes they leave a beer can or cigarette butt behind on public ground, too.

[itchmesir]

them morels.. always smokin and drinkin that cheap Milwaukee's Best

[gundy89]

Thanks for the help. Those little buggers are pretty good! Another couple quetions if you don't mind.

Went back out today and got another 20 or so in the same spot. It's the only for sure spot I have so far. How often do you think I can keep hitting it and getting some? Do the yellows come in the same places? What do you look for other than the elms? is there a specific type of soil? This spot is kind of sandy. It also seems like I found most of them with moss on the ground around them. Is that common?

The biggest question I really have is the speed in which you look for them on new spots? Is it better to go a little quicker and cover ground or go slow and thorough? I have a tough time going slow when I'm not confident whether they're there or not.

Thanks for all the help.

[flipper]

gundy89

The only way I can adequately answer your questions for you is for me to go to the spot with you in the next day or two. Contact me and we can set up a time to meet.

[gundy89]

Honestly, If I could get knowledge to find more spots, I would. My spot isn't exactly off the beaten path and I'm sure it's kind of a community spot. If you're in the south metro or close, let me know and I'll go out with you. I plan on going out Sunday and monday. Probably looking for new spots more than hitting the same.

[flipper]

Thanks, Honestly I live too far away. It sounds like you are really on the right track for a new hunter. I looked in my area yesterday and I think it is a bit early yet for my spots. I go slow when I look.

[croixeyes]

Flippers right. When Im looking and find some,just assume you have not found them all.Search the area slowly,looking from different directions can reveal other mushrooms that may be missed.

Yellows will usually pop in the same areas as the grays,but not always.Its seems like yellows like a little more sun than the grays.

[DARK30]

Gundy...You did get the Morel stamp right?

I've been putting the "cleaning" water from the shrooms out in the back yard. Last year, I had some popping up out there! Coincidence?

[gundy89]

Gundy...You did get the Morel stamp right?

I've been putting the "cleaning" water from the shrooms out in the back yard. Last year, I had some popping up out there! Coincidence?

Yeah, I'm going to pass on any mushroom stamps!

Anyways, Went out with the wife and got 20 more today before the rain started. Still the same spot though. Gonna try out a couple places tomorrow. Really want to find a couple more spots. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the help guys.

[ironman]

thats funny right there!!

[BronzeBrother]

I am brand new at morel hunting. Is there anyone willing to take out a greenhorn? Not to your spots of coarse...

[gundy89]

Bronze,

I defintely would have went with you but I'll be out of town until Monday. Not sure If I can go yet on Monday but I'll post up when I get back. I'm a greenie too.

[BronzeBrother]

Bronze,

I defintely would have went with you but I'll be out of town until Monday. Not sure If I can go yet on Monday but I'll post up when I get back. I'm a greenie too.

Sounds good. Let me know, I plan on scouting some areas today so maybe I'll get lucky. Let you know.

BB

[gundy89]

Bronze,

I'm gonna head out tomorrow afternoon. Post up your email if you can make it and we can meet up. If not, no big deal.