Beginner Tips for Hunting Morel Mushrooms Successfully

If you’ve been scrolling Facebook lately, you’ve probably seen plenty of posts showing off morel mushroom finds. If you’re new to the hunt, here are a few tips to help you get started.

What You Need to Morel Mushroom Hunt

Department of Natural Resources

It’s important to know what you’re looking for, many mushrooms in Michigan aren’t safe to eat. Use a reliable field guide or browse trusted online sources with clear photos to help you identify true morels.

Photo by Michael McKay on Unsplash

The most common morels you’ll find are yellow and gray, though occasional black morels can turn up. The photo above shows a good example of what to look for. When harvesting, avoid pulling them straight out. Cut or pinch the stem and leave part of it in the ground so spores can help bring more morels back next season.

Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash

Bring a mesh bag, basket, or even an empty bread bag to carry your mushrooms while you hunt. If you’re heading into unfamiliar woods, a compass or GPS can be helpful for finding your way. A GPS also lets you mark spots where you find morels, giving you a head start next season. And don’t forget a pocket knife, it makes it easy to cut the stem cleanly and leave part behind in the ground.

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Morel Season Is Here: Where to Find Them

Photo by Alla Kemelmakher on Unsplash

Yes, you might spot morels in your yard, flower beds, or along trails, but certain types of trees are much more reliable places to find these tasty mushrooms. It can help to carry a pocket-sized guide to Michigan trees so you can identify the ones most likely to produce morels.

Photo by Jaime Forsythe on Unsplash

The best places to look for morels are around dead or dying elm, ash, sycamore, and apple trees. Recently dead elms that still have their bark, and ash trees in particular, can greatly boost your chances of a successful hunt. Tulip poplar and cottonwood trees can also be worth checking when you’re on the hunt for morels.

Photo by Samantha Tripp on Unsplash

The trees don’t need to be standing to find morels. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources these mushrooms are often found where sizable fires occurred the previous year. Below is a map of the most current forests that have burned that are 10 acres or bigger to find morels near jack, white , or red pine once grew.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

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Morel hunting is a fun activity you can enjoy with family and friends. For many Michiganders, it’s a longtime spring tradition, and it can be for you, too. Good luck out there!

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