Almost Morel Season!

[zoebisch01]

Anybody else go out? I'll post a recipe or two when I get some. twss

[Evan!]

I'd like to. Never have.

[davebl]

Yea im trying to go this weekend. We have quite a few where I live

[zoebisch01]

Yea im trying to go this weekend. We have quite a few where I live

Yeah according to the sitings you should be getting close to prime-time down there. Still a little off here yet...hasn't been enough rain and the temps are still a little low.

[Steve Urquell]

Anybody else go out? I'll post a recipe or two when I get some. twss

Guess I'm not the only morel-head on here.I have about 24 acres of land w/lots of "hollers" and sycamores and will usually net 150-250 a year.This year,however I'm f'd.I had shoulder surgery last Friday-the 20th. and am in a brace for 12wks.No brewing or morels for me this year:( I figured I'll just let them all rot this year and hopefully reap the rewards next yr.My fav. recipe (other than just plain fried)-morel/chicken fettucine alfredo w/ spinich.Awesome!

[davebl]

Guess I'm not the only morel-head on here.I have about 24 acres of land w/lots of "hollers" and sycamores and will usually net 150-250 a year.This year,however I'm f'd.I had shoulder surgery last Friday-the 20th. and am in a brace for 12wks.No brewing or morels for me this year:( I figured I'll just let them all rot this year and hopefully reap the rewards next yr.My fav. recipe (other than just plain fried)-morel/chicken fettucine alfredo w/ spinich.Awesome!

You could sell those to 36 Club on dickson. Last year he was paying 29 a pound for them.

[Steve Urquell]

You could sell those to 36 Club on dickson. Last year he was paying 29 a pound for them.

Damn!I wish I could Dave.Right now I'm gimped up big time though.Want to do some pickin'?

[davebl]

I wish. I hardly get up to NWA like I wish I could.
Gosh, i can taste morels already...

[Steve Urquell]

I wish. I hardly get up to NWA like I wish I could.
Gosh, i can taste morels already...

Makes me sick that they'll go to waste this year but--whadda ya gonna do?...:(

[flyangler18]

Anybody else go out?

I want to, but I'll be damned to even know where to start.

[Metabolic]

Thanks for the reminder. Up here sitings start a little later, I'll wait for a few weeks and go out after some good spring rains.

Might even throw down a couple jars of morel spawn with some sawdust and ash in the backyard. ;)

flyangler, if you can find some burn sites in the woods, or areas that have had a burn on them in recent years, I can pretty much guarantee you morels if you time it right. Other than that, interstitial zones in hardwood forests should do.

[Steve Urquell]

[QUOTE=Metabolic;59397]

Might even throw down a couple jars of morel spawn with some sawdust and ash in the backyard. ;)

QUOTE]
I read a research paper that really hit home about morel growth conditions.It stated that morels are recently evolved from yeast(w/in last 10,000 yrs)and haven't developed hardiness like other mushrooms yet.It makes sense about the burn sites producing so well.Yeast thrives in acidic conditions and isn't ash acidic?Here you won't find a morel anywhere except around sycamore trees.Makes me wonder if their leaves or the bark they shed isn't acidic?

[zoebisch01]

I am not entirely sure about the acidic soil. Burn sites will produce a higher pH because ashes are in general pH positive. Albeit some ashes are of differing levels of pH positive, but I believe they are all pH positive.

[zoebisch01]

Guess I'm not the only morel-head on here.I have about 24 acres of land w/lots of "hollers" and sycamores and will usually net 150-250 a year.This year,however I'm f'd.I had shoulder surgery last Friday-the 20th. and am in a brace for 12wks.No brewing or morels for me this year:( I figured I'll just let them all rot this year and hopefully reap the rewards next yr.My fav. recipe (other than just plain fried)-morel/chicken fettucine alfredo w/ spinich.Awesome!

Cool deal. Yellow Morel > Gray Morel > Black Morels (imo). I have found that drying them is the most amazing thing. In fact, I rarely eat them fresh anymore.

For those who haven't tasted properly dried Yellows, it's like the most heavenly nutty flavor, very intense.

[zoebisch01]

I want to, but I'll be damned to even know where to start.

Find Ash, Elm or old Apple Orchards. About a week after heavy rains in spring when the nighttime temperature is consistently in the 40's and up to the 50's go out and look around the bases of these trees. Try to find areas that are not overgrown with brush, as it is more difficult to locate them. Leaf litter is ideal really. And those places in the PA wilds that have that low growing scrub brush, forget about Mushroom hunting altogether unless you only want Russulas. Black Morels are less common in PA, or at least I have found it to be so. Mostly they get them NW on big burn tracts in the pines. If you find anything post pics for ID. There is a false Morel that grows here and is poisonous, dangerously poisonous. But it is chambered internally and once you look at it, it really doesn't look anything like a Morel.




I will give you all a very big mushroom hunting secret. Listen carefully. Once you find a sign, think like water. (I can't write it all out, that would be no fun).

[Steve Urquell]

I am not entirely sure about the acidic soil. Burn sites will produce a higher pH because ashes are in general pH positive. Albeit some ashes are of differing levels of pH positive, but I believe they are all pH positive.
Your'e exactly right.Ash is alkaline.Took a little fireplace ash & mixed w/water & it came up highly alkaline.That throws a wrench in that theory.Oh,well at least I've been doing well throwing my ash on my morel hot spot.Happy hunting!

[Brewmando]

About three weeks away from hunting time here. This will be the last year for one hot spot, by-pass going thru prime Morel and Indian artfact area. :mad: Moisture is good here so far. Now if the heat will hold off a couple more weeks so as to not dry things out early.

[zoebisch01]

Your'e exactly right.Ash is alkaline.Took a little fireplace ash & mixed w/water & it came up highly alkaline.That throws a wrench in that theory.Oh,well at least I've been doing well throwing my ash on my morel hot spot.Happy hunting!

Hey thanks, you too (if you can get out)! Last year wasn't too shabby, we don't tend to see some of these huge flushes out here...at least I haven't seen. My biggest haul was a brown shopping bag one year. Mmmmmm Morels!

[zoebisch01]

About three weeks away from hunting time here. This will be the last year for one hot spot, by-pass going thru prime Morel and Indian artfact area. :mad: Moisture is good here so far. Now if the heat will hold off a couple more weeks so as to not dry things out early.


Yeah that bites when you lose a good area. I have a Chanterelle spot that I hope and pray never goes away!

[Steve Urquell]

Hey thanks, you too (if you can get out)! Last year wasn't too shabby, we don't tend to see some of these huge flushes out here...at least I haven't seen. My biggest haul was a brown shopping bag one year. Mmmmmm Morels!

My haul is over the whole season"usually april-mid may and covers about 2miles of "hollers" Keep in mind that I search every few days as it is all on my property and just off it.I've done as well as 150 in one outing though.I gave away at least 4lbs last year.Here when the dogwoods bloom the morels are a poppin.

[zoebisch01]

Nothing out yet...

This time of year here in central PA is really wacked. It is common for days to jump into the high 70's which really makes the Morels turn bad quick if they are up.

[Ronthered]

Seasons almost done here I think. People have been finding them like crazy

[BeerBilly]

How about psilocybe cubensis?Anybody around here pick these?I haven't done shrooms since the 80s but would love to get ahold of some.

[zoebisch01]

Lol, Billy. As an amateur mycologist, my advice would be to stay far far away from trying to identify them in the wild as the risk of misidentification with 'little brown mushrooms' or what are affectionately known as "LBM's" is very high because there are just so many types that look nearly identical, some of which are deadly. Now, not saying I condone or not condone the use of psychedelic substances, but since an issue of safety is on the table....the 'safest' bet is to look for those growing on cow patties, although I am not sure the range goes to AK.

[tfries]

They are starting to pop up around here now. I have been looking on our property with no luck. I did find some of the bad false morels awhile back :( On a better note, I did find quite a few Oregon White Truffles back in February in our trees,

[zoebisch01]

They are starting to pop up around here now. I have been looking on our property with no luck. I did find some of the bad false morels awhile back :( On a better note, I did find quite a few Oregon White Truffles back in February in our trees,

Oh nice, how were the Truffles? I wish we got them here, but to my knowledge nobody has discovered them or at least none that have been reported. Chanterelles, Black Trumpets (Black Chanterelle), Yellow Morel, Gray Morel, King Bolete, Oyster, Hen of the Woods, Chicken of the Woods and a myriad of other lesser known edibles are very common here. Man I love hiking out and hunting mushrooms.

[tfries]

The Truffles were pretty good. We made two nice risottos, truffle cream cheese to put on bagels and truffle butter. I found about 1.5oz worth.

[zoebisch01]

Still nothing! Now I am concerned we'll get a bust season because when it shoots into the 80's and 90's (yes it hit the 90's the other day) after being in the 50's then it screws them up. This happened 2 seasons ago. Last year was pretty good, it stayed cool and rainy for several weeks at this time.

[3/5 King]

I've been passing up this thread for the past couple weeks and I was always curious everytime I had seen it. Now I am very interested.....would I get these morels in northern Illinois??? I wouldn't know were to start, I might have to get out and research this.

[zoebisch01]

You betcha. In fact, I believe IL is quite popular. However, I believe your season is a few weeks ahead of ours.

Key areas:

Ash, Elm (if you can find them, usually Slippery are the only ones around anymore), Old Apple Orchards. Look for them in the fine leaf litter. Burn sites are other popular areas, especially out west.

On identification, the true Morel, when split in half is completely hollow. There is one deadly (to my knowledge the only one) look-alike which is the false Morel. Well there are two types of false Morels. Both have chambers inside when cut in half and both have a compound related to one constituent in rocket fuel which will kill you. Reportedly, this evaporates when cooking, but who's gonna try?

[3/5 King]

there are plenty of state parks right around me im on the wisconsin border. I think I will start there. The weather here has just barely been in the 50's and things are just starting to bloom so I think it is a good time to start. I read a little bit on the subject of these mushrooms and it seems to be so technical so I think Im going to take a few pointers and just wing it.

[zoebisch01]

Yeah it's not 'hard' to find them. Thing is you really have to look. Some people call it "putting on your mushroom eyes". It's really weird, almost like putting on special glasses. You could be standing in a patch of mushrooms and not take notice, in part because they can be particularly well camouflaged. So once you find one, pause, slow down and really look hard. Don't just run out of the area. Scour the grounds. Look around the other side of the tree. Oh, I just remembered, Oaks can be fair game as well. Just stay away from really dry spots and really sunny spots when hunting Morels. There are some mushrooms that will thrive in those conditions but usually not Morels.

One tip, never pull them out of the ground because you'll get grit in your basket and never put a really dirty mushroom in the basket because the grit will get into all the other ones. You can't wash mushrooms, it really does ruin them. Use a stiff paintbrush of appropriate size. Cut the mushroom at the base to harvest. Some people say pulling them destroys the mycorrizhea, but this is debatable. I just cut them. Store them in a cool, dry place. The fridge will dessicate them, you can put them in a paper bag but not for long.

On Morels, I believe that when you dry them and reconstitute they are light years ahead of the fresh ones in terms of flavor. Well the Yellow/Gray are at any rate. Just cut them in half and lay them out on cooling racks you'd use for baking until they get sufficiently dry. Store in a mason jar or vacuum pack.

[3/5 King]

went looking yesterday, it was overcast and has been raining alot, I didn't find any, looked for about an hour. I was in a forest preserve though...I don't know, I still need to go to a state park and get into the real woods. Do you just look around bases of trees or are they all around the forest bed if the conditions are right??? Do they grow around the shore of lakes in the state parks because its always moist?

[zoebisch01]

I am not sure if Morels in particular have a symbiosis with certain trees or if it is what those decaying trees leave behind that creates a ripe environment. You can certainly find them in areas that are frequented by people as well as in the forest. I have never gone searching around lakes, but can tell you the main factor when hunting most mushrooms is to look for stands of trees that the mushrooms have an affinity for.

[Steve Urquell]

Been slinging my fireplace ash to my main morel patch. Last year this worked wonders for it.

My dogwood tree blooms signal the beginning of the season, and they're about to open. Who's as stoked about this as I am?

[3/5 King]

I'd like some more tips on when and where to look, I'd love to start the hunt but I am a newbie and clueless. Went last year didn't find a thing. I live in illinois close to the wisconsin border.

[Steve Urquell]

I'd like some more tips on when and where to look, I'd love to start the hunt but I am a newbie and clueless. Went last year didn't find a thing. I live in illinois close to the wisconsin border.

They seem to grow in different places regionally. Here, I have never found one that was not close to sycamore trees. That's how I was taught to hunt them--look for sycamore trees, when the plants start to turn green, and there they are.

Burn sites are a fav. spot for them to come up. One of my best spots is where a the land owner burned the trees that they cleared for their lot, and then pushed the ash into a "holler" full of sycamore trees.

I'd try to find some locals who hunt them. If they'll tell you where the morels in your area like to grow, then you'll maybe have some luck.

http://www.morels.com/blog/?cat=6

[rooster445]

im going to try to sneak off work and do some hunting today

[zoebisch01]

A few more weeks here before they start coming up I reckon. However, if the forecasts are right, we may be much earlier than usual.

[zoebisch01]

According to the progression sighting map, some instances have been found in south-central PA already. I am going to have to peek this coming weekend.

[junglejim2612]

I want to, but I'll be damned to even know where to start.
http://www.morels.com

Just enter your state and follow the tips...

[flyangler18]

According to the progression sighting map, some instances have been found in south-central PA already. I am going to have to peek this coming weekend.

Incidentally, I have this weekend to myself when the lady is in DC. I'll head out early Saturday morning with the mutt to see what I can find. It'll be a glorious day to do some geocaching, too.

[rooster445]

Well no luck today guys

[Steve Urquell]

Dogwood just opened blooms today. Maybe this wkend. Ticks are already crawlin'.

[zoebisch01]

Dogwood just opened blooms today. Maybe this wkend. Ticks are already crawlin'.

Frigging ticks.

[Steve Urquell]

Holler: Check.
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/holler1.jpg

Sycamore trees: Check. Beautiful 65F day in NW Arkansas.

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/sycamore.jpg

What's that? Twins.
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/morel6.jpg

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/morel5.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/morel4.jpg
Sometimes you just have to stop and scan for the pattern on the mushroom. Sometimes you'll stand in one spot for 5 mins.-scanning then realize there's one between your feet.
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/morel3.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/morel2.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/morel1.jpg I'll leave these peckerheads alone, and get their big bros later.

My peach tree is on fire right now. It tries to come off all hard--trying to look like the Tree of Woe in Conan, then turns pink and pretty in spring--fag.
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/peachtree.jpg



Damn neighbor! I looked thru my telescope and it looks like his grass needs to be mowed. When I get a free 1/2 hour, I'm gonna drive over and tell him to cut the shit. He's about a 1&1/2-1 3/4 mile away--only house I can see from my property.
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morels/view.jpg

[zoebisch01]

Cool Steve. I plan on heading out tomorrow, wish me luck!

[Steve Urquell]

Cool Steve. I plan on heading out tomorrow, wish me luck!

May your morel sack overfloweth, and your ball sack remain tick free.

[zoebisch01]

May your morel sack overfloweth, and your ball sack remain tick free.

AMEN. :crack:

[zoebisch01]

Well, noting up yet. I noticed though, regionally where I go usually is late. This was a real early excursion, but I figured since the weather had been in the 80's for over almost a week I'd check because hot weather will rot them quick.

[Steve Urquell]

How's about some blonde bigfoots and an ice cold homebrewed wit? Picked these up in about 15mins. today. The folded one is like a baseball. I stepped over at least a dozen rotters, some 6" or taller.

We had an ice storm about a yr. ago which really ruined my hunting--tough to get around all the downed trees.


http://www.homebrewchatter.com/board/picture.php?albumid=185&pictureid=2728http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/today.jpg

[marzen41]

damn if those shhrooms didn,t give me a little wood

[Metabolic]

I'm gonna have to get out and hunt SOON. It's warming up early here.

[Steve Urquell]

Stepped over about 50+ rotters today--disgusting. Drinking IPA tonite. 1 lb. total. That bigen' weighed 2.2ozs. by itself.

http://www.homebrewchatter.com/board/picture.php?albumid=185&pictureid=2735
http://www.homebrewchatter.com/board/picture.php?albumid=185&pictureid=2736
http://www.homebrewchatter.com/board/picture.php?albumid=185&pictureid=2737http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morelsandbeer.jpg

[zoebisch01]

Driving me nuts. There just hasn't been enough rain and the nighttime temps haven't been warm enough. I am going to pop my head out this weekend again. Nothing up Thursday in my usual spots, but I know the restaurant downtown got in a bunch of small ones so they have just started.

[blacklab]

No Oregon on that site. So...what does one do with morels? Sauté with butter, or something else? IAMA rookie.

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1to1bq2sc1qa8ibao1_500.jpg

EDIT - This dude makes me think that something awesome is happening here.

[zoebisch01]

No Oregon on that site. So...what does one do with morels? Sauté with butter, or something else? IAMA rookie.

http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1to1bq2sc1qa8ibao1_500.jpg

EDIT - This dude makes me think that something awesome is happening here.

Chanterelles are awesome (the ones he's holding). I have some sauted and frozen from last year. I am really fortunate to have them growing on my mountain! I've seen that book before, hehe.

The Yellow Morels (like Steve posted) are very mild in flavor, that is until you dry them. I rarely eat them fresh unless I have an abundance. They turn into flavor machines once dried, so hard to describe, like a very rich, nutty flavor. I usually rehydrate them in cream and make a pan reduction with them. Heavenly. The trick fresh is not to use strong flavors with them or they get lost, and you're right usually sauted in (clarified) butter.

My experience with the Black Morels is limited. I had some my dad sent me and I wasn't terribly impressed with the flavor. Seeing that you live in Oregon, there is a load of really good mushroom hunting by you.

[blacklab]

I assumed we should have some decent mushrooms given the rate they crop up in my yard.

[Metabolic]

I am really jealous of people that live in the PNW.

[Steve Urquell]

Season's done here. I wasn't able to give it much time this year due to school/finals and ended up letting more rot than be picked. I've heard that only the overripe ones spore out--so it doesn't really bother me too bad.

Blacklab, I fry some of mine in butter & make omelettes out of them. Most, I will roll in dry pancake batter mix and fry in olive oil. I keep them in the fridge and add them to whatever--put them in fettuchini alfredo this year (awesome). Or just eat them freshly fried.

Some people claim to have good luck frying them & then freezing them, but I like to enjoy it while it lasts & then look forward to next year.

Happy hunting guys.
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/003.jpg

[zoebisch01]

Finally landed some this past weekend. I was at my favorite spot and couldn't find a damn thing. Was heading out (it was about 7:15 PM at that point), starting to get a little dark and I see one. Ok that's cool. Scoured the area, nothing. So I kept on going and eventually hit an area that was pretty well populated, probably got about 1 to 1 1/4 lbs. I took a cell phone pic, if I get the chance, I'll upload it. I ate a few fresh that night and dried the rest.

[Steve Urquell]

Awesome dude! Hope you find a ton.

[Metabolic]

I didn't find anything when I went out 2 weeks ago. I'll try on the weekend of the 29th when I go to a big brew event at a campsite, should be nearing the end of the season then but wish me luck!

[zoebisch01]

I didn't find anything when I went out 2 weeks ago. I'll try on the weekend of the 29th when I go to a big brew event at a campsite, should be nearing the end of the season then but wish me luck!

Here the nighttime temps have only recently been steadily above 45ish, so I think it's a late season northward.

[Jackinape]

783

Got these a couple years ago,havent gone out this spring yet,hope to soon.

[zoebisch01]

783

Got these a couple years ago,havent gone out this spring yet,hope to soon.

Dad lives out your way and he normally only gets the black Morels. Interesting to see the genetics in those mushrooms you have in the picture. I am not sure if they finished the Morel genetics mapping yet. Skipping out of work early today to look, wish me luck! I have a camera phone pic from the last bunch I need to post...grrr...

[Steve Urquell]

Currently munching on a platefull of fried morels for dinner. The wife went out yesterday and got ~ 18 in an hour. I may go once this season--probly in a couple days after it's rained.

Anyone else had any luck yet?

[davebl]

Currently munching on a platefull of fried morels for dinner. The wife went out yesterday and got ~ 18 in an hour. I may go once this season--probly in a couple days after it's rained.

Anyone else had any luck yet?

Let me know if you need help!

[Bigdee4933]

Guys I ate these and nothing happened. I think I got the wrong ones. :(

http://i.imgur.com/cwT7K.jpg

[zoebisch01]

Lol. The half-free's usually show up here too. Still too cold here. I need to take a peek at the progress maps. I did eat some dried ones the other night.

[blacklab]

Had a spaetzle with morels on Friday night. Awesome.

[JackHackett]

Ya really got me thinking on this one. Anyone ever brewed with mushrooms? (non-hallucinogenic)

[Bigdee4933]

I'm pretty sure Fantome has done one.

[JackHackett]

Dare I ask how it turned out?

[Lerxst]

Ya really got me thinking on this one. Anyone ever brewed with mushrooms? (non-hallucinogenic)

Denny Conn has a recipe or two using Chanterelle mushrooms floating around the web.

[Steve Urquell]

Today's haul. Probably not gonna make it out again this yr. Happy hunting guys!

[zoebisch01]

Cool. Still been too cold here in the evenings. *grumble grumble*.

[Steve Urquell]

They re up here. First time i ve seen em before my dogwood tree has bloomed. I picked a dozen in a 40 ft circle in about ten minutes. Nice 2.5" blondes.

[blacklab]

Is it season now? People go crazy for them around here. We usually get some 'lost mushroom hiker' stories around the beginning of the season.

[Steve Urquell]

Is it season now? People go crazy for them around here. We usually get some 'lost mushroom hiker' stories around the beginning of the season.

It's early, but the weather has been so warm that they're coming up. The size I got today usually come up ~ april 12-15th. These guys were pushing up a rock.

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morel3-22-2012.jpg

[zoebisch01]

Cool ,thanks. My friend was just asking if I thought they'd be up early. With all the blossoms out, I am guessing yes.

[Steve Urquell]

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morels3-25-127.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morels3-25-126.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morels3-25-125.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morels3-25-124.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morels3-25-123.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Morels3-25-122.jpg

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/morel3-25-121.jpg

[davebl]

How many were full of buggers??

[Steve Urquell]

I cut this one from the above cause I don't think these are edible. They're called the Devil's Urn, and I just think they look cool.


http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Cups2012.jpg

[Steve Urquell]

How many were full of buggers??

They were pretty hoppy. I got em brining now. Salt'll kill them bitches.

[davebl]

They were pretty hoppy. I got em brining now. Salt'll kill them bitches.

After I brined mine, I soaked them in fresh cold water for a few hours, pulled all pretty much all the saltiness back out.

[zoebisch01]

I cut this one from the above cause I don't think these are edible. They're called the Devil's Urn, and I just think they look cool.


http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/chilschils/Cups2012.jpg



I doubt they are poisonous, but you never know. That particular mushroom probably doesn't have any experimenters to catalog if it's bad or not. Most likely not deadly, I'd be pretty willing to bet money....but otoh I wouldn't eat it :D.

[zoebisch01]

After I brined mine, I soaked them in fresh cold water for a few hours, pulled all pretty much all the saltiness back out.

I pretty much always just halve and dry mine which allows the bugs to run away. The flavor of a properly dried, reconstituted (usually in heavy cream :D) Yellow Morel is light years ahead of fresh. You take those, rehydrate them in cream, cook some fine chicken breast in clarified butter (flipping once, making sure you brown it really nice) over medium-high heat, remove, deglaze with some alcohol of choice (and possibly some finely minced Shallot) and then add in the cream and Morels. Reduce over medium heat (watch for boil-overs) and when it starts to get viscous and bubbly plate up the chicken with some steamed short-grain rice and a side of grilled Asparagus. So. Fucking. Delicious. Pils goes nice with it.

[zoebisch01]

I need to get out this weekend. Progress maps are showing in my latitude.

[Steve Urquell]

I need to get out this weekend. Progress maps are showing in my latitude.

I won't be able to go again--too much schoolwork. Happy hunting.

On the Devil's urn: They are edible but not very tasty from what I've read. They're tough and not so flavorful.

From Wiki: The flesh of the ascocarp walls is tough and initially gelatinous, later becoming leathery. ... book on edible mushrooms, lists the taste as "mediocre", and comments "the devil's urn ... it would be possible to eat it with a forced smile if your Aunt Wanda served it to you....

[zoebisch01]

Nothing yet! Although it seems the spot that I have (perhaps it's the genetics) tend to be later than even more northern reports...

[Malmgren]

Between my family and I, we own about 300 choice acres here in Central IL, not too long ago rated as the top 10 counties for Whitetail in the US.

Went out to my usual morel spot when the time came, and fuck me running, I found a whole 4. So I went down to the snakegrass where I've had tons of luck (its in the bottoms, nice and moist with a ton of sun) and I'll be damned if there wasnt a ton of trails through there, some leading in and some leading out. I hate you trespassers!

I figure I have a year to make a ghilli suit so I can hide out there the next time the morels start popping. Someones getting executed with the snub nose. Fucking bastards.

Long story short, I bought a pound off of a buddy. Good eatins.

[moontractor]

Morel season was actually march/early april this year in nebraska. We had some weird weather this year and an extremely early spring. It was actually a pretty bad year for mushrooms, but a really good year for crappie. We traditionally have a big crappie/mushroom fry every spring, they are great together.