Morel Mushroom Hunting Tips

Morel hunting tips

Tips for your morel search

Bring a map and a compass or GPS unit when out in the forest to avoid getting lost off-trail.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear, as you likely will have to go off the beaten path to find morels.
Be prepared to experience disappointments when searching for morels - some spots yield mushrooms year after year, while others skip years between crops.
Your "eye" for morels will sharpen with practice.
Never rake an area for morels or drive an off-road vehicle cross country. A healthy forest floor allows morels to grow.
Using a mesh bag (such as an onion bag) or a basket will allow your collected morels to stay dry; a plastic bag can speed up decay.

See information on morel collecting and cooking

Most important of all – know what you are eating! Know the difference between a “true” morel and the “false morels,” such as beefsteak mushrooms, which are poisonous.
Make your first several mushroom hunts, whether for morels or other edible mushrooms, with someone who knows mushrooms.
For more information on morel mushroom hunting in Michigan, visit the Pure Michigan or Midwest American Mycological Information websites.
Buy or download a mushroom guide, and be aware that updates may be needed as new information is published.
Many of Michigan’s universities and community colleges offer adult education courses on mushrooms, and enrolling in one may be a good way to get started.

See morel identification information