DNR - Morel Mushroom Hunting

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Morel Mushroom Hunting

May is morel month in Michigan, but the actual fruiting period is from late April until mid-June, depending on the location and species. Morels are not just found in the north – some of the best picking is in southern Michigan. Remember: Morels found on public land are for personal use and cannot be sold!

For the beginning mushroom hunter, the morels are the safest group among the more than 2,000 kinds of wild mushrooms found in Michigan.

Like all wild mushrooms, morels require quite specific conditions of temperature and moisture to grow. Some springs are good for morels, others poor. Warm and wet conditions are best, and cold and dry can mean almost total failure of the crop.

Large burn sites in forested areas are ideal for morel mushroom hunting, especially in burned areas where jack, white or red pine once grew. Grassy and other non forest areas are not as likely to produce morels.

We have put together a map of large burn areas that occurred within the past couple years. Zoom in close to see the type of ground cover in a particular area (conifer, wetlands, grass, etc.). Please note, we cannot guarantee the presence of morels at these locations!

This application contains a complex map. If you have questions or comments please contact a DNR Customer Service Center.
Open the Mi-morels map »

Download wildfire & prescribed burn location data (2019)