Morel hunting season comes in the spring throughout the United States.
While there are several types of edible mushrooms in the woodlands of Indiana, the most popular is the morel. When a discussion turns to mushroom hunting season in the Hoosier state, the speakers are usually referring to the time of year when these particular cone-shaped fungi begin to appear-seemingly overnight-on the forest floor. While Indiana’s morel season usually runs from mid-April to mid-May, there are some general indicators that the season has begun. Knowing these indicators will make your hunting more successful.
Time Frame
Mushroom hunting season varies across the United States as spring arrives in different areas at different times. This means mushroom hunting season can even vary in a single state as the weather warms in one area before another. With the seasons varying by as much as few weeks between northern Indiana and southern Indiana, it’s important to watch nature for clues because once the first morel has appeared, the hunting season generally continues for about three weeks before these springtime treats fade back into the earth for another year.
Features
Hoosiers can follow the date of the last killing frost in their area as a good indicator that mushroom hunting season has begun. Experienced mushroom hunters have some other natural indicators they watch for as signs that the first morels are likely to be rising on the forest floors. These indicators include the blooming of the first wildflowers, the blooming of lilacs and when the first asparagus spears are up in the garden.
Types
There are more than a dozen species of morel mushrooms in the United States. In Indiana, four types are hunted. The black morels are the first type to appear in the spring. They are often found in early April. Yellow and gray morels are most often found in late April through mid-May. The fourth type is the half free morel and it is often found throughout the Hoosier mushroom season.
Geography
When considering the best places to begin hunting for morels, look for areas where the soil has good drainage. Indiana’s wild mushrooms thrive in rainy spring times, but don’t do well if they are growing in soggy conditions. Places that make for good hunting include old apple orchards, areas around dead trees and woodpiles, in river bottoms and under cottonwood, poplar, ash and oak trees. In southern Indiana, the area’s ravines are popular morel hunting spots.
Considerations
Even if it is the season for morel hunting in Indiana, you’re likely to have more luck if you choose the right type of day and the right weather for your hunt. Temperatures need to reach into the 60s during the day and drop no lower than the 40s at night for mushroom hunting season to be at its height. A rainy spring will bring better hunting-as long as there’s not so much rain that the ground becomes saturated.
Tags: hunting season, mushroom hunting season, often found, United States, morel hunting, mushroom hunting, mushroom hunting