Anyone else hunt for morels? I've gone twice this year, once too early and again yesterday (getting a little late), and haven't found anything. I'm praying for a little rain and some nice 70 degree days because the season is almost over. At least I've gotten to eat some, my dad found quite a few. One of them was 9 inches tall! For those of you who do partake, do you have any special recipes or cooking methods?
(http://www.grayling-mi.com/morel2.jpg)
(http://www.minnesotamushrooms.org/news/2003-06/gwwmc.jpg)
Fried i havent went in a few years and i havent eaten them in a few years but i could go for some right now
I went a few times in April. Those are one of my favorite things to eat.
yup, i go. i've gone three times this year, but it's still little cold. here in minnesota, we're about a week or so behind. i'm freaking sore. but i just love going into the woods, and jumping over creeks. plus it's a good time with my dad. we got around 30 or 40 yesterday. good eats!
Maybe I'm just a country boy, but what good is hunting something that practically disintegrates when you shoot it?
Ahhhhhhh....
Beware of false morels!! :o
This could help, maybe:
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc232/bowlofwax/mushroom.jpg)
QuoteMaybe I'm just a country boy, but what good is hunting something that practically disintegrates when you shoot it?
trust me, there's nothing more "country" than trespassing on someones farmland just to use their woods. my dad and i got chased out by some farmer a couple days ago. the reason why it's called hunting is because just like other hunting, patience and hard work is involved. (i hunt deer, ducks, and pheasants too) i actually just got back from mushroom hunting. climbed a lot of hills, sweat my ass off, and got dirty...than we found some mushrooms. about 30-40 again, but most were really good sized.
Hey Hawkeye. You gone out yet? I'd think it'd be a little warmer a little further south of here. I actually went out today for like 6 hours. Nothing. Still a little cold here. Maybe 60-61. Man it was fun though. Lots of Wildlife, I guess that made it worth it. Good luck this year brother.
I did go last Sunday. Dad and I found about 10 small ones. I mean SMALL. The biggest 3 were maybe 1.5 cm but the rest would be measured in millimeters. I'll definitely go again this weekend. Maybe tonight. The weather has been somewhat cold here yet, but it's warming up.
Wow, I gotta give it up for the honesty. I would have "fish storied" it up. But anytime, is a good time. Where do you usually go? I was at a State Park today. It's usually hunted by many, but thought I could get a head start on the competition. We've been working 4, 10 hour days. Fridays are going to be spent in the woods. 8-)
I took my boys out last week a couple of days after a nice rain, but we had no luck at all.
Hawkeye, the only way I've ever prepared them is coated in some flour and salt/pepper and sauteed up in butter. Tasty! I don't always do this, but my uncle told me to always soak them for an hour or two in salt water to get rid of any little critters that might be hiding out.
Sweet Wharf Rat. It's awesome that you're passing it on. My dad usually does the whole salt and water bit too. So what type of woods do you go into? State Park, a friends land, or something even cooler? Good luck this year!
Here's a 2009 progression map. It's big, so I'll just post the site, not the picture. Cool website too, check it.
http://thegreatmorel.com/2009.html
Not to sound like a dumbass, but do a lot of people do this? how hard is it to come across them? how/why do they grow in 1 place or another as opposeed to another species of shroom?
Ive seen Morels at the grocery store - for like $16/lb - but I never knew people actually searched for them
QuoteNot to sound like a dumbass, but do a lot of people do this? how hard is it to come across them? how/why do they grow in 1 place or another as opposeed to another species of shroom?
Ive seen Morels at the grocery store - for like $16/lb - but I never knew people actually searched for them
I wouldn't say a lot of people do this. Just look at how many people in here talk about it. ;D It's not easy. You really just have to look for signs. Dying elm trees for example. I just really get a kick out of running around in the woods, and seeing some sweet wildlife. Going in the rain is the best! My dad sold like 10 dried pounds to some restaurant in Michigan for 120 at pound. I know the local co-op buys them for, I think, 8 bucks a pound, fresh. I looked on the map, Pitt could be a nice little hotspot.
Careful out there and sorey if wrong thread for this :)
(http://darkdiamond.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mario-mushrooms.jpg)
The government in the Netherlands have recently banned Magic Mushrooms, including the famous Amanita Muscaria, which bears a striking resemblance to the super mushrooms of the Mario universe, after a 17 year old french girl jumped off a building after consuming one of these. And this isn't the first time someone jumped off a building after eating one of these. Perhaps they thought they had an extra life?
QuoteCareful out there and sorey if wrong thread for this :)
(http://darkdiamond.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mario-mushrooms.jpg)
The government in the Netherlands have recently banned Magic Mushrooms, including the famous Amanita Muscaria, which bears a striking resemblance to the super mushrooms of the Mario universe, after a 17 year old french girl jumped off a building after consuming one of these. And this isn't the first time someone jumped off a building after eating one of these. Perhaps they thought they had an extra life?
Talking about any type of mushroom comes with talking about the "Magic" ones. I always get weird looks when talking about it, and when wearing my t-shirt.
(http://images5.cafepress.com/product/54660755v4_350x350_Front_Color-Black.jpg)
Magic mushrooms were still legal here up until (i think) 2002. I had no idea & missed out on all the fun :(
QuoteMagic mushrooms were still legal here up until (i think) 2002. I had no idea & missed out on all the fun :(
One voice can change a nation! If you haven't tried morels, you'd be missing out on even more fun. Sure it's not "putting on a black light and have it pointed at a Iron Butterfly poster" fun. But it's fun. I always thought of you as a fun guy, what's up? ;)
Haha I have no idea if they even grow here. We certainly do have a wide selection of 'shrooms in Japan, I will have to inquire :-?
I just remembered this substitute teacher I had in 12th grade for a day in AP European history, like a 40-45 minute class. He was bonkers.
All he talks about the whole time is how he is in the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom society or something, and draws mushrooms on the chalkboard, and asks us all questions like what have we tried, etc.
the WHOLE time. Not 1 mention of history. He educated us about nothing except mushrooms ;D
You best not be complaining about it! ;)
Who was this teacher? Johnny Appleseed? 8-)
I used to go ginseng hunting with my Dad and GrandDad. It was an all day walk to prime forest locations in the mountains in Virginia. Sold bag fulls of the ginseng roots to a local buyer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng
QuoteI used to go ginseng hunting with my Dad and GrandDad. It was an all day walk to prime forest locations in the mountains in Virginia. Sold bag fulls of the ginseng roots to a local buyer.
"I'm like a sniper, hyper off the ginseng root!"
Hey look what I found...........online! ;)
(http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu312/edtombell/the-longest-mushroom.jpg?t=1241448583)
Didn't mean to derail yer Thread :) Carry on 8-)
QuoteCareful out there and sorey if wrong thread for this :)
(http://darkdiamond.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/mario-mushrooms.jpg)
Perhaps they thought they had an extra life?
That would have been a "BIG" mistake. Eat the green one man! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]
Shrooms + Amsterdam Museum of Modern Art = :o
QuoteQuoteI used to go ginseng hunting with my Dad and GrandDad. It was an all day walk to prime forest locations in the mountains in Virginia. Sold bag fulls of the ginseng roots to a local buyer.
"I'm like a sniper, hyper off the ginseng root!"
;D
part of my favorite verse from 7th chamber, hell, 1 of my favorite Meth verses period 8-)
Hey yo RZA, hit me with that shit one time!
QuoteSweet Wharf Rat. It's awesome that you're passing it on. My dad usually does the whole salt and water bit too. So what type of woods do you go into? State Park, a friends land, or something even cooler? Good luck this year!
Here's a 2009 progression map. It's big, so I'll just post the site, not the picture. Cool website too, check it.
http://thegreatmorel.com/2009.html
Walts, when I was a kid we usually went on friends' lands with my brothers. Now, we have a small city park (all hiking/biking trails, no playground equipment or anything) that's about 1000 feet from our front door. This city park connects to a state park, so all total, there's about 3000 acres that we roam. Unfortunately I've had very little luck finding the morels. I think they are there, I'm just not finding the hotspots.
Before we lived in our current house, we owned 36 acres about 20 minutes outside of town. I did have some mild succes a couple of years out there, but the other three years I got shut out completely.
I'm with you, it's just fun to romp around in the woods!
I wish I had friends with land. I went out to my cabin the other day to scope it out. Not a lot of woods, maybe a half an hour to circle whole thing. I see why my dad never goes there. Father knows best. But don't tell him I said that. ;D
Although I have a plan this year. Some D-bag from work broke into my house (twice). I caught him! He took my roommate to his secret spot last year, let's just say the secret is out! ;D
No luck again yesterday evening. We've got a few more days of showers coming up, so I'll be out hopefully another time or two this weekend.
QuoteNo luck again yesterday evening. We've got a few more days of showers coming up, so I'll be out hopefully another time or two this weekend.
wharf--not sure if you're from athens area or another part of ohio but we used to do some up in the northeast part- i remember going out after it rained. i was a nature nerd, i used to be able to tell ya all the wildflowers, trees and fish. ha ha..i competed in on a nature team in high school, which sounds nerdy but was pretty big in rural areas--equivalent of 4-H. (lol another past time was finding all the birds that flew into the silos and trying to nurse them back to life)...sorry to digress but this thread made me a little sentimental. i would have checked it sooner but i thought it was about tripping on shrooms (which taken literally could mean that) i love the recipes, that's the way my friend's dad cooked them up.
I'm going out after work. We'll see what happens. So there's 3 of us who hunt? Last one to find some mushrooms buys the steaks! I like rib-eye!
QuoteI'm going out after work. We'll see what happens. So there's 3 of us who hunt? Last one to find some mushrooms buys the steaks! I like rib-eye!
one more thing i miss living in the city----no grills allowed on balconies or fire escapes...no BBQs! :-( eat one for me.
Penny, nothing wrong at all about being a nature nerd. I have always considered myself one and try to pass on environmental messages of conservation and sustainability to my little ones all the time.
They still have Envirothon competition teams at the local schools. Unfortunately, my school didn't have this when I was in high school or I would have been all over it. You can be a jock and a tree hugger, right? ;D
Too bad about the no bbq rule. I am also a nut for grilling. All year round at my place. There's nothing like a nice jamaican jerk rubbed chicken, or a citrus salmon filet on the grill, with some grilled asparagus or corn on the cob!
Walts, good luck tonight. It's pouring here and thunderstorms are forecast, so I just canceled my son's baseball practice. I'm getting an itch to go play in the creeks and on the hills!
well since we're on topic and no one else is reading this thread to judge me, i also collected arrowheads and my dad would also take me along on his trips to collect insulators (we'd walk along old train tracks and he'd climb the poles) NOT joking. He was a science teacher and also taught me how to grow crystals, too. You should do that w/your kids!
when i was at ohio state, i made a trip to lancaster (OH not PA) to see Lar Hothem, he wrote a book on arrowheads and if i remember, he had a really cool collection. i used to drag people along out near Blacklick (?) to go on hikes to look for them.
Yes, ours was called the Ecology Team and we competed in Envirothons. I was allergic to most animals so i could only be in 4H Forestry. I always wanted to raise animals, though LOL
Good luck hunting Walt.
Oh yeah, arrowheads! Freshly plowed fields in the spring down in the floodplain/bottomland are the absolute best for that. I haven't been out roaming for arrowheads in a couple years. I took my older son with me the last time (he was 5) and still to this day, if we're out in the woods, which is alot, he'll pick up some random rock that has the faintest resemblance of an arrowhead shape and ask "Dad, do you think this one's an arrowhead?" :)
Quote... and no one else is reading this thread to judge me...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YTYSOFaGjQM/Sa2sl3kOGlI/AAAAAAAABRg/6T8ShvHiuMU/s400/Ha+Ha.jpg)
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NATURE NERD!!![/size]
I'm just kiddin' Penny, I'm a total, unapolegetic Nature NERD. One of the things I'm most excited for (as a new father) is teaching my son about the natural world, and hopefully getting him excited about being outside and learning about that stuff.
Mushroon hunting is very cool, btw. I've never done it, but have much respect for those who do...I've heard that there's some good huntin' to be had out in the coastal forests here in CA.
QuoteQuote... and no one else is reading this thread to judge me...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YTYSOFaGjQM/Sa2sl3kOGlI/AAAAAAAABRg/6T8ShvHiuMU/s400/Ha+Ha.jpg)
[size=24]NATURE NERD!!![/size]
I'm just kiddin' Penny, I'm a total, unapolegetic Nature NERD. One of the things I'm most excited for (as a new father) is teaching my son about the natural world, and hopefully getting him excited about being outside and learning about that stuff.
awww..if i had kids, i'd do the same. i imagine there's nothing greater than passing on the love of nature and music to kids. your baby's adorable bbill. i didn't comment on the other thread.
bbill, I think you shouldn't have a problem. It seems most kids are just intrinsically drawn to the outdoors, and it sure doesn't hurt if mom and/or dad like to be also. We've got some pretty cool topography around here and it's almost like the kids are just magnetized by it. Natural recess caves dot our landscapes, with lots of exposed rock, mostly sandstone, to scramble around on. Pretty steep hills and valleys with lots of streams. Just a couple weeks ago, the family was out playing in a rainstorm and my 7 yr. old found a 3-4 inch crawdad. I keep some baggies on me for just the occassion, and of course he wanted to take it home and take it into class the next day to display during class "share time". We fixed up a nice container with some stream gravel, leaves, and water and he took it in the next day. We released it after I got home from work back at the same spot. I've seen some of your outdoorsy pix on this site and I'm guessing that your little one will have no problem accepting and enjoying the natural world.
QuoteQuoteQuote... and no one else is reading this thread to judge me...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YTYSOFaGjQM/Sa2sl3kOGlI/AAAAAAAABRg/6T8ShvHiuMU/s400/Ha+Ha.jpg)
[size=24]NATURE NERD!!![/size]
I'm just kiddin' Penny, I'm a total, unapolegetic Nature NERD. One of the things I'm most excited for (as a new father) is teaching my son about the natural world, and hopefully getting him excited about being outside and learning about that stuff.
awww..if i had kids, i'd do the same. i imagine there's nothing greater than passing on the love of nature and music to kids. your baby's adorable bbill. i didn't comment on the other thread.
Thanks :)
Quotebbill, I think you shouldn't have a problem. It seems most kids are just intrinsically drawn to the outdoors, and it sure doesn't hurt if mom and/or dad like to be also. We've got some pretty cool topography around here and it's almost like the kids are just magnetized by it. Natural recess caves dot our landscapes, with lots of exposed rock, mostly sandstone, to scramble around on. Pretty steep hills and valleys with lots of streams. Just a couple weeks ago, the family was out playing in a rainstorm and my 7 yr. old found a 3-4 inch crawdad. I keep some baggies on me for just the occassion, and of course he wanted to take it home and take it into class the next day to display during class "share time". We fixed up a nice container with some stream gravel, leaves, and water and he took it in the next day. We released it after I got home from work back at the same spot. I've seen some of your outdoorsy pix on this site and I'm guessing that your little one will have no problem accepting and enjoying the natural world.
In a few months, I think we might try to start taking him on longer "hikes", but up in the mountains. Our walks now just usually put him to sleep though...I expect it'll take a few more years until he can really enjoy it. I do love to take him outside now though, and watch his face and eyes as he looks at the sky, and trees, listens to birds. He gets really calm, really observant. It's my favorite thing about him, so far. :)
[ I do love to take him outside now though, and watch his face and eyes as he looks at the sky, and trees, listens to birds. He gets really calm, really observant. It's my favorite thing about him, so far. :)
[/quote]
That is just plain awesome :)
Mushroom hunting is very much a family thing for me. I remember when I was younger we'd have groups of at least 10-15 people, all family, out tromping around. Good memories. Now it's mostly me and my dad, occasionally mom or an uncle will go with us. Sadly I might miss most of the rest of the season. I might go tomorrow night but then I'll be in Milwaukee for awhile and probably won't get to go again. I did find about a pound last Sunday. Frying 'em up tonight!!! I was going to last night but we didn't have any flour. Seriously, who doesn't have flour. A house full of 26 year old dudes I guess.
Okay I going to talk to a lot of people with just one message, let's see if it works.
To everyone, I didn't get anything today. BUT I did find a lot of good trees. Still just a little cold in Minny. Although low 70's is unbearable here ;)
Penny, you're safe here. Gotta like someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty. My brother just called the fire marshall in Omaha. I guess they banned propane grills on decks & patios. He wasn't happy about it.
Wharf, you're spot on with the whole kids loving the woods!(I know I did) best of luck again!
Hawkeye, too bad about maybe having to miss the rest of the season buddy. Hopefully the mushrooms are tasty! What are you doing in Mil btw? Love that city, mainly that's where all my family is from. Have a good time.
Bbill, the baby is looking very cute, and the glass of wine was looking very empty ;)!
later everyone!
I took my third graders to a farm today and one of my kids asked if he finds a morel if he could pick it. I was like: "sure"! His dad is a restaurateur (sp?), so I guess he sent him on a mission. I've never gone but like to.
QuoteI took my third graders to a farm today and one of my kids asked if he finds a morel if he could pick it. I was like: "sure"! His dad is a restaurateur (sp?), so I guess he sent him on a mission. I've never gone but like to.
Dylan you're a nature guy, so I think you'd really like it. I believe Kentucky is a really good state for it, but Wharf Rat isn't having much luck. So who knows? Field trip today? Sweet! That's gotta be like a day off huh? You didn't go to the legendary farm outside of Louisville did you?
We went to an organic farm right smack dab in the middle of the city, which is kind of cool. Some field trips are stressful but I love the nature ones. I had the group of kids who NEVER go into the woods so that was cool. They tasted honeysuckle for the first time, some of them didn't even realize that we eat PLANTS!!! We picked greens from the field and made a salad with it, made our own salad dressing, and ate it right there, they were amazed! Good trip.
Wharf Rat is actually in southern Ohio. Paul and I have been talking about going hiking soon so maybe we'll go this weekend and I'll keep my eyes peeled.
The farm does a farm share veggie basket but I'm getting mine from a new farm that just opened up in the area which is operated by one of the Olliges clan.
QuoteWe went to an organic farm right smack dab in the middle of the city, which is kind of cool. Some field trips are stressful but I love the nature ones. I had the group of kids who NEVER go into the woods so that was cool. They tasted honeysuckle for the first time, some of them didn't even realize that we eat PLANTS!!! We picked greens from the field and made a salad with it, made our own salad dressing, and ate it right there, they were amazed! Good trip.
Wharf Rat is actually in southern Ohio. Paul and I have been talking about going hiking soon so maybe we'll go this weekend and I'll keep my eyes peeled.
The farm does a farm share veggie basket but I'm getting mine from a new farm that just opened up in the area which is operated by one of the Olliges clan.
Sounds like your kids really learned something today. Good job My Brother in Jackethood! :)
I watched an episode of (some show) on (one of the food channels) about morel hunting. They made it out to be much more than just scouring the woods. Those guys were making a couple hundred dollars a day, though.
How do the morels taste?
I'll be out 2mrw to hunt for somw of these.. Kinda crazy i saw two things about morels today.. I always miss the season..
QuoteI'll be out 2mrw to hunt for somw of these.. Kinda crazy i saw two things about morels today.. I always miss the season..
sweet! where's your location?
Well, I'm loving "no work"Friday's. Went out the whole day with a buddy. Found 104 of those thangs. Of course, we split it 50/50, and my half goes to the family. Good luck Dudley, keep us posted!
Nice, Walts! Did you fry them up yet? I went one other night this week and still nothing.
My parents went yesterday. I was too hungover lol. But they found another good bunch. I've got enough for 2 good batches this week! Season is winding to a close though already, at least for the land we go on. This week will probably be the last of 'em. I'm not sure how to describe the taste...pretty much your typical mushroom texture, kinda squishy/rubbery, but they do have a more complex flavor than your typical mushroom...more "woody"?
Going out after work, I think the season is just getting started here. BTW the ones I found on Friday were very small. I hope I didn't give the impression that they were HUGE. On Saturday, I'll be hosting a bachelor party at my cabin. We'll be grillin' out and mushrooms will be on the menu.
I didn't see the taste question, but I think Hawkeye nailed it.
Can morels be found in the city, like maybe in a park? Or would I need to get pretty far out into the countryside to find some?
You guys have got me curious.
mushroom hunting is FUN and sometimes VERY dangerous :-X :-/ ;)
QuoteCan morels be found in the city, like maybe in a park? Or would I need to get pretty far out into the countryside to find some?
You guys have got me curious.
I would think you could(find morels), but a city like Chicago probably doesn't have much woods? So it'd be a quick walk through. It's like hunting, because it's not really easy to find them, and walking through a huge 1,000 acre state park doesn't guarantee results. I say, hey, why not take a look at a dying elm?..even if it's in a city.
Is it limited to elms? I feel like we don't have a lot of those here.
We do have some wilder parks here, I might have to check them out. How long does the morel season last?
ALady, it's not limited to elms, but they are regarded as a good indicator that there might be some morels around. Ash and Beech trees are others I've heard referenced when searching for morels. There are other factors that make those darn things so elusive sometimes. They prefer a sandier soil to one heavier with clay and they love lots of organic matter at the surface. They usually take about a month and a half or so after the ground thaws to make an appearance, and they also really like to pop up after a rain. I usually try to get out the day after a nice soaking in the woods. Once they do pop up, they have a short shelf life, maybe around 5 days? Good luck if you go out.
Thanks for the info...I might give it a try!
Here's some free advice from a fellow shroom picker. Your first couple of times needs to be with someone that KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING... funny how nobody has mentioned that and if they have, then I offer my humble apologies. If you pick and eat the wrong ones it can make you VERY ill and possibly kill your ass..I know I know it SOUNDS like a blast doesn't it but it's true. If you need a reference,my friend James picked the WRONG ones and to quote THE DEAD what a LONG strange trip it WAS....seriously dude thought he was going to puke and shit himself to death. So not to rain on your fungus parade....BE CAREFUL
ps it wasn't Jim James ;D
I'm gearing up for this next season. I hope to bring home a few good scores. I'm really looking forward to going hiking. Looking for morels just sweetens the deal. Morel season is fast approaching! :D
QuoteI'm gearing up for this next season. I hope to bring home a few good scores. I'm really looking forward to going hiking. Looking for morels just sweetens the deal. Morel season is fast approaching! :D
Did you go out last year, D? I was just talking about mushroom hunting last week. It's over a month away from starting here, but it can't come sooner. Good luck!
QuoteQuoteI'm gearing up for this next season. I hope to bring home a few good scores. I'm really looking forward to going hiking. Looking for morels just sweetens the deal. Morel season is fast approaching! :D
Did you go out last year, D? I was just talking about mushroom hunting last week. It's over a month away from starting here, but it can't come sooner. Good luck!
No, I've never been before. If the sources I've checked on the internet are correct there may be morels to be found today all the way through Derby. I wish I wasn't so busy. Hiking and mushroom hunting sound great right about now!
Last June I was up at my parent's farm in North Pomfret, VT. We always go for long walks on the property and when the weather is right we find morels waiting for us. Man are they good.
My step-mom found this boy (or girl...it's hard to tell), near a giant white quartz boulder. We warmed it in a cast-iron pan w/ a bit of butter & salt. It was great. We often find these babies (usually half the size) along the trails. It's nice when you find a handfull.
(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn51/bigsky26/P5238360.jpg)