The Hunt for Morel Mushrooms in Iowa is Underway!

Mushroom hunters are heading into the Iowa woods with one goal in mind. Finding those precious morels before anyone else! The season can be short, and unpredictable, and even if you follow a few rules for mushroom hunting, there is still no guaruntee you'll find any!

Morels Hard to Find Even for Experienced Hunters

KCCI reports that morel season is just beginning in Iowa, and even experienced mushroom hunters can have a hard time finding the tiny treasuers. One resource you can check is the Iowa Morel Report Facebook page. Fellow Iowans will post when and where they've spotted morels. Here is a map of Iowa counties where morels have been spotted this week!

Where Do I Start My Morel Mushroom Hunting?

Especially early in the season, experts will tell you that location is key. KCCI reports that hunters should focus on hills that heat up in the Iowa sun. Also, look for creek banks and areas near dead and dying trees. Morels often grow along root systems, appearing several feet away from a dying tree. But even using those clues, morels are still tricky to spot!

Finding The First Morel is Key

One morel hunter told KCCI that finding the first morel is key. Once your eyes know what to look for, they become a bit easier to spot. He also noted that while morels do grow in clusters, early in the season they can be small and scattered. Some hunters even choose to leave smaller morels, and come back when they're mature. But don't give away that hunting spot!