Morel Time Nearing End

After the first day of gobbler season had ended, several people told me I could concentrate on fly-fishing for the rest of the month. One of these was my son, Bob. However, he added, "You can go looking for mushrooms, too. You'll have time to find them now."

I laughed at that comment, having tried several times to learn to find mushrooms, properly named morels, but having these attempts end in abject failure.

One spring about 10 years ago, I found more than 40 morels in one morning. At that point I figured I could bring home a batch about any time. Well, think again. I probably have not found 40 mushrooms, total, in the past 10 years, and a dozen or more of these have been in my back yard while mowing the lawn.

Oh, sure, a couple years ago I ran into 10 or 12 under one dying elm tree while out fishing, but that was certainly an unusual happening. I have never repeated that success.

I even know about a number of secret spots the local mushroom hunters frequent: I have spotted them searching while out fishing or while driving to and from fishing locations. I have actually checked out several of these hideaways but have failed to find the morels that the dedicated searchers are seeking. Perhaps these searchers have picked them all before I have gotten there.

Having said this, I know there are plenty of secret locations where true mushroom hunters enjoy success. Mushroom hunters are the most reticent of outdoor people. I have always tried to remain tight-lipped about favorable fishing holes and have gotten into harsh discussions online on fishing websites about selling out secret stream sections. Plenty of guys out there believe fishermen should be willing to share every spot they know. I disagree, no doubt selfishly. Overcrowding on streams makes the fishing experience less enjoyable; and on streams where the fish population is fragile, overfishing can take a serious toll on the fish themselves. This is also true of turkey hunting. One of the local "super hunters" says that finding spots where no one else hunts is the most critical factor leading to turkey-hunting success. Anyhow, serious mushroom hunters are even more discreet than any trout fisherman or turkey hunter out there, and they make serious efforts to protect their mushroom hot spots.

The season for finding morels is nearly over. Donna got some nice morels this spring because our friends Scout and Don Irvin found them and made sure Donna got her "fix."