The Secret to Finding Morel Mushrooms in Michigan This Spring

There's a certain kind of Michigander who ends up disappearing into the woods each spring. And yes, I'm talking about hunting. But, probably not the hunting you're thinking of...

I'm talking about hunting for morel mushrooms.

Morel mushrooms are an earthy and delicious and sought after mushroom that tends to be hard to find. Hence the thrill of the hunt — and their price if you decide to buy them.

Why Morel Mushrooms Are So Hard to Find

They are rather hard to find, but not impossible. Think of it like a treasure hunt but edible. A Pure Michigan delicacy.

Slowing walking through the woods, keeping your eyes glued to the ground, frantically searching for these earthy treats. It can be quite the adventure.

READ ALSO: Michigan Rock Hunting Has Rules—Here’s What You Need to Know

You might think that you need to have "an in" with someone who knows a good spot. Or to know someone who has a good portion of private land. And while that doesn't hurt, there's actually another way that you can hunt for morel mushrooms, and that's with the help of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

May is morel month, and ahead of that, the Michigan DNR releases a map of morel hot spots. Quite literally hot spots, because morels are often found in spots where there have been sizable fires the year before.

Tips for Finding Morel Mushrooms in Michigan

If you want to go morel hunting, here are some tips:

• Bring a GPS or map and compass (to avoid getting lost)
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear
• Use a mesh bag when collecting mushrooms (allows morels to stay dry and helps potentially spread more spores for the future)
• Cut mushrooms with a pocket knife

And don't forget to identify that you're actually cutting a REAL morel. There are mushrooms out there known as false morels and they shouldn't be eaten. The easiest way to spot a fake morel is to check if the cap connects to the stalk. If it connects, it's likely safe to eat. If it doesn't connect, don't eat it.

If you want some more morel hunting tips, check it out below.