Tips for a successful and enjoyable Morel mushroom hunt

Of all the outdoor sports, mushroom hunting is one of the least expensive. You don't need any special equipment and you won't need a hunting license. The only requirements are comfortable clothing and a bag to put your findings in. However, there are a few preparations you can make that will ensure that your hunting adventure is a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article, you will learn what clothes to wear and what items to bring to make sure you stay safe and comfortable, and you will have the right tools that are essential to a successful hunt.

It is best to wear old clothes that you are comfortable with, as they can get stained or torn. The use of long pants and sleeves will avoid direct contact with threatening plants such as poison ivy, brambles, etc. Wear an old shirt underneath in case it gets hot and you need to take off your long-sleeved shirt. In early spring, the weather can be unpredictable. It could be sunny, it could be raining or there could still be snow on the ground. Bring rain gear just in case. Why let the rain ruin your hunting experience? Wear comfortable shoes. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.

Protective goggles can keep branches out of the eyes. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands and a hat to protect your head from the sun and tree branches and to avoid ticks. Don't forget the bug spray and a small first aid kit. Remember the rule that if you don't bring it, you will need it. And if nature calls unexpectedly, a small roll of toilet paper will be essential. Bring a small trowel to dig a hole and keep nature intact.

An onion sack or mesh bag is ideal for storing morels. Special morel bags have been designed to allow spores to fall to the ground after harvest. The bag must allow air circulation and avoid the accumulation of moisture that can damage morels. Never place your find in a car trunk or glove box, where moisture and heat will cause rapid deterioration after harvest. Bringing ice-filled coolers with a few sheets of cardboard to place between the morels and ice will ensure your Fresh Morel Mushrooms  and cool as you transport them home.

A walking stick will help clear pathways and is ideal for rummaging through the leaves and grasses that these elusive fungi may be hiding. Bring your camera to record your findings. A GPS unit is recommended to record the location of your find, as morels tend to reappear in the same area in later seasons.

Use common sense safety procedures. It is advisable to bring maps and a compass, and a whistle. Never go mushroom hunting alone. If you don't have a GPS unit, bring a pen notebook to record the location of your findings. Bring a small package with food and water. Plan your trip in advance, allowing enough time to return safely. Make sure you are familiar with all the legal regulations, that you have permission to enter the land where you will be looking for mushrooms. Make sure you have enough gasoline in your gas tank. Spring trails can be dangerous. A rope or winch can help pull your vehicle off muddy roads that can become impassable.

A sharp knife or scissors will allow you to harvest without destroying the delicate roots of the morels. Do not disturb the mycelium by pulling the fungus out of the ground. Pinch the mushroom at the base of the stem and cut carefully and cleanly. Brush off any dirt and keep your crop dry.