Post by: quackkiller on March 25, 2021, 07:27:17 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 25, 2021, 07:57:04 AM
Post by: OutHouse on March 25, 2021, 08:12:04 AM
Post by: Weatherby92 on March 25, 2021, 08:14:06 AM
Post by: OutHouse on March 31, 2021, 10:35:44 AM
Needs to warm up, atleast here on the east side. I always start my search after the area has reached 65 degrees with lows above freezing for 3 consecutive days.
That's how I was instructed when I got into morels. I think I was told need about a week where its at 60 or above with no freezing at night. I always go out late April or early May and find a few in the 5000 ft range, then a few weeks later it explodes. One day last year, I filled several paper lunch sacks in about an hour not more than 200 feet from a FS road. It was so cool to come into a little open area and see them all over the place.
Post by: Matth on April 02, 2021, 10:42:31 AM
Post by: quackkiller on April 02, 2021, 03:46:26 PM
Post by: OutHouse on April 02, 2021, 04:02:31 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 02, 2021, 04:47:47 PM
I think I asked this on another morel thread last year but does anyone get sick if they eat morels while drinking alcohol?
It depends how much you drink! 😂
Seriously, when you start eating any mushrooms at the start of the season, take it slow, eat fewer to start. Morels, verpa, boletes, chanterelles, any of them. Drinking heavily will hasten your reaction to over-consumption.
Post by: Southpole on April 02, 2021, 04:55:37 PM
I believe they’re a little hard on the liver even without alcohol is what I’ve read.I think I asked this on another morel thread last year but does anyone get sick if they eat morels while drinking alcohol?
It depends how much you drink! 😂
Seriously, when you start eating any mushrooms at the start of the season, take it slow, eat fewer to start. Morels, verpa, boletes, chanterelles, any of them. Drinking heavily will hasten your reaction to over-consumption.
Post by: Igottanewknee on April 02, 2021, 05:07:37 PM
Post by: boneaddict on April 02, 2021, 06:49:06 PM
Post by: quackkiller on April 02, 2021, 10:29:13 PM
Found some in my secret spot in Tacoma. Very small, maybe an inch.
Curious is this around cottonwoods?? What other habitat do they grow in on the wet side??
Post by: Jake Dogfish on April 02, 2021, 10:56:23 PM
:yeah:I think I asked this on another morel thread last year but does anyone get sick if they eat morels while drinking alcohol?
It depends how much you drink! 😂
Seriously, when you start eating any mushrooms at the start of the season, take it slow, eat fewer to start. Morels, verpa, boletes, chanterelles, any of them. Drinking heavily will hasten your reaction to over-consumption.
I have eaten wild mushrooms my whole life. One time I ate way too many chanterelles and drank a bit as well. I felt terrible for two days.
But I ate like a whole pan of mushrooms.
Post by: OutHouse on April 04, 2021, 09:45:50 AM
I think I asked this on another morel thread last year but does anyone get sick if they eat morels while drinking alcohol?
It depends how much you drink! 😂
Seriously, when you start eating any mushrooms at the start of the season, take it slow, eat fewer to start. Morels, verpa, boletes, chanterelles, any of them. Drinking heavily will hasten your reaction to over-consumption.
Thanks Pman I overdid it for sure. Not so much on the beer, but the mushrooms. First big hall last year fried up and ate at least two plates worth, probably more.
Post by: OutHouse on April 04, 2021, 09:47:45 AM
:yeah:I think I asked this on another morel thread last year but does anyone get sick if they eat morels while drinking alcohol?
It depends how much you drink! 😂
Seriously, when you start eating any mushrooms at the start of the season, take it slow, eat fewer to start. Morels, verpa, boletes, chanterelles, any of them. Drinking heavily will hasten your reaction to over-consumption.
I have eaten wild mushrooms my whole life. One time I ate way too many chanterelles and drank a bit as well. I felt terrible for two days.
But I ate like a whole pan of mushrooms.
Same and after seeing Pman's post it was probably the amount I ate. My sickness was for about 24 hours, pretty much like a stomach flu. I'm gonna break in my system slowly this year.
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 04, 2021, 11:41:01 AM
:tup::yeah:I think I asked this on another morel thread last year but does anyone get sick if they eat morels while drinking alcohol?
It depends how much you drink! 😂
Seriously, when you start eating any mushrooms at the start of the season, take it slow, eat fewer to start. Morels, verpa, boletes, chanterelles, any of them. Drinking heavily will hasten your reaction to over-consumption.
I have eaten wild mushrooms my whole life. One time I ate way too many chanterelles and drank a bit as well. I felt terrible for two days.
But I ate like a whole pan of mushrooms.
Same and after seeing Pman's post it was probably the amount I ate. My sickness was for about 24 hours, pretty much like a stomach flu. I'm gonna break in my system slowly this year.
Post by: Skywagon_185 on April 04, 2021, 11:48:43 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 04, 2021, 11:57:12 AM
Post by: OutHouse on April 04, 2021, 08:46:28 PM
Found a beautiful, fresh coral mushroom years ago. Sautéed 2, 1/2" thick steaks in butter. Couldn't look at a mushroom for 2 years. You can definitely OD on fungi!!
:chuckle: After my experience, the morels sat in the freezer for 6 months, couldnt think about them, I know what you mean!
Post by: Norman89 on April 17, 2021, 07:10:01 PM
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Post by: CJ1962 on April 19, 2021, 08:34:28 AM
Had a looky today in a few spots, the false morels are popping up :chuckle:What elevation did you find them at?
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Post by: Norman89 on April 19, 2021, 08:38:20 AM
Post by: WSU on April 19, 2021, 09:00:42 AM
Found a beautiful, fresh coral mushroom years ago. Sautéed 2, 1/2" thick steaks in butter. Couldn't look at a mushroom for 2 years. You can definitely OD on fungi!!
:chuckle: After my experience, the morels sat in the freezer for 6 months, couldnt think about them, I know what you mean!
I ate too many chanterelles a few years ago during elk season. I didn't really feel that sick other than I puked a few times in the middle of the night. I didn't even have stomach pain. Just that undeniable feeling that I was going to puke. Hit me out of the blue and was gone by the morning. I definitely go easy on the steak and mushrooms the first night in elk camp now!
Post by: CJ1962 on April 19, 2021, 09:29:42 AM
16-1800 ft down in a river valley above ashfordThanks!
Post by: Igottanewknee on April 28, 2021, 06:30:50 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 28, 2021, 06:33:53 AM
Had a looky today in a few spots, the false morels are popping up :chuckle:How can you tell if they are false ? can you eat the false?
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Post by: Norman89 on April 28, 2021, 08:21:21 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 28, 2021, 08:32:22 AM
Post by: idaho guy on April 28, 2021, 11:51:24 AM
Post by: idaho guy on April 28, 2021, 11:59:28 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 28, 2021, 12:16:35 PM
I know some people say you can eat the false but I have not tested that theory and don’t plan too. :chuckle: We have way too many real morel around where I live to screw around with false 👍 pianoman probably knows if you can eat false ?
The term "false" morel means different things to different people. in the species Gyromitra, which includes "snowbank" morels, you can eat them many times without a problem and then wham, get quite sick. Organ damage is possible. Stay away and I'd never eat a Gyromitra. Verpa bohemica, or thimble cap or early morels are safe to eat if cooked well and not consumed in large quantities (really, like any mushroom). I like to break off most of the stem when I cook them.
Post by: idaho guy on April 28, 2021, 12:22:29 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 28, 2021, 01:36:13 PM
Post by: OutHouse on April 28, 2021, 02:50:15 PM
Still too early for the east side I'm guessing. Couple weeks maybe?
Was out Sunday between 2000-4000 and definitely too early. The soil is still very cold and the ground is too wet in my opinion. Last year there was an enormous bloom between May 10 and May 25 in my areas. I did find a few new spots that I am pretty sure will have a lot of morels in the near future though.
Post by: Fishmaker57 on April 28, 2021, 02:50:25 PM
Post by: nwwanderer on April 29, 2021, 02:59:50 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 03, 2021, 07:01:24 AM
Post by: benhuntin on May 03, 2021, 07:31:05 AM
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Post by: Norman89 on May 03, 2021, 07:37:51 AM
Post by: Gobble on May 03, 2021, 08:28:43 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on May 03, 2021, 09:03:23 AM
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Post by: benhuntin on May 03, 2021, 09:29:22 AM
Where do morels usually grow? What type of cover do they prefer? I’ve only started picking Chantrelles in the last 3 or 4 yearsBurns and logged areas
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Post by: MR5x5 on May 03, 2021, 09:54:08 AM
Where do morels usually grow? What type of cover do they prefer? I’ve only started picking Chantrelles in the last 3 or 4 yearsBurns and logged areas
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..and other areas too for sure. Many varieties to look for. They like fir trees mixed with hardwoods (leafy) as a start. Avoid cedar. Get on the green line as it goes up the mountain in the spring. South facing slopes. Areas of filtered sunlight.
Post by: Southpole on May 03, 2021, 10:05:52 AM
Post by: benhuntin on May 03, 2021, 12:16:13 PM
Pretty crazy. All the mushrooms this weekend were in a cedar clear cut. Guess you find em where they grow.Where do morels usually grow? What type of cover do they prefer? I’ve only started picking Chantrelles in the last 3 or 4 yearsBurns and logged areas
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..and other areas too for sure. Many varieties to look for. They like fir trees mixed with hardwoods (leafy) as a start. Avoid cedar. Get on the green line as it goes up the mountain in the spring. South facing slopes. Areas of filtered sunlight.
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Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 03, 2021, 07:42:47 PM
Picked 3 gallons yesterday in about 2 hours. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210503/7563b1705ec4f9fbf172f71a550ee804.jpg)
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2-3 more weeks for us........We have an area that grows em the size of softballs. I am ready, last year we dried close to 30 pounds, they are almost gone. :EAT:
Post by: OutHouse on May 04, 2021, 08:08:52 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 04, 2021, 10:01:02 AM
Post by: OutHouse on May 06, 2021, 08:43:00 AM
We need rain.
Agree. My area got some rain about two weeks ago which may have helped the little ones come out but need another good rain to bring out the big ones
Post by: OutHouse on May 10, 2021, 10:52:50 AM
We need rain.
Agree. My area got some rain about two weeks ago which may have helped the little ones come out but need another good rain to bring out the big ones
Definitely need more rain at least where I'm looking off 410. Found about twenty yesterday and half of them were getting dried out already. I think the rain we had about three weeks ago caused some to push up and now they are starving for water or otherwise dying. Found some that were new and blonde though. I hope one of my key spots still produces this year. Last year picked about 10 pounds in an area less than an acre but that was around May 20.
Post by: luvmystang67 on May 10, 2021, 12:13:22 PM
They are in a great morel spot though... does anyone ever see a second crop of mushrooms if the first batch are nixed by a freeze?
Post by: OutHouse on May 10, 2021, 12:39:49 PM
Went out yesterday in north idaho and found probably 50, but they were TINY. Like the size of your last knuckle on your pinky. Some were starting to dry out. I wonder if it froze overnight where they were and basically killed them? Very strange.
They are in a great morel spot though... does anyone ever see a second crop of mushrooms if the first batch are nixed by a freeze?
Great question that's what I am contemplating as well but don't know the answer. In my area apparently it was 35 degree as of 9:00 am before I left so I was thinking a freeze may have happened that night or on a previous night. I am gonna go back to the same slope and hopefully there is another bloom but need rain the ground is very dry. It was weird to find many that were old and dry already, especially at that elevation (about 5000 ft).
Post by: KP-Skagit on May 10, 2021, 12:43:42 PM
So yes, I think they will continue to pop up provided more moisture comes along.
Post by: OutHouse on May 10, 2021, 12:54:22 PM
Several years ago in a fresh burn I picked some in May. It was a real wet summer and in the middle of July I got a wild hair to go back to the same spot. In was the most insane morel picking I personally have had. Filled a couple 5 gallons bucket in about an hour, many were huge.
So yes, I think they will continue to pop up provided more moisture comes along.
Oh wow July seems really late to me (for my area that is). Makes me think I should have gone back in June of last year. I thought by late May it was over in terms of new growth but I'll have to keep that in mind. I read that the warm weather causes them to enlarge significantly to the point they fall over and die. Last year I found numerous ones I called bananas or gandalf hats when it got warm (like high 70s maybe early 80s).
Post by: KP-Skagit on May 10, 2021, 01:24:37 PM
These morels were about 5,000 feet in western Okanogan County.
Post by: HAGEMANIAC on May 12, 2021, 10:34:59 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 13, 2021, 06:31:31 AM
Post by: OutHouse on May 14, 2021, 10:37:03 PM
I was surprised and not surprised all at the same time. I don't know much about morels but I have been picking chanterelles all my life and have learned their season is much longer than most think.
These morels were about 5,000 feet in western Okanogan County.
Ahh that's cool. I spend a lot of time in western Okanogan County but I've never really put in effort to look for morels there. The area I hit is similar to that half of Okanogan county in terms of elevation and characteristics. Looks like I'm going back to some spots later in mid summer. Thanks for sharing that :brew:
Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 16, 2021, 03:28:12 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 20, 2021, 01:30:34 PM
Post by: KopperBuck on May 20, 2021, 02:21:01 PM
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Post by: OutHouse on May 20, 2021, 03:35:06 PM
Loving the rain..... pretty sure I can hear em busting out from the forest floor right now :IBCOOL:
Yes please more rain. My area desperately needs it.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 20, 2021, 06:31:38 PM
Got into a decent patch Sunday. 4K in NE OR. Was kinda surprised where I found them. Will definitely be hitting this spot a couple more times after some moisture. Got six trays dried out of it.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210520/d91aa95596353ead01b071b497ffa594.jpg)
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Nice! Hmmm always cut ours in half lengthwise to dry, your style reminds me of heart rings, gonna have to try doing rings
Post by: OutHouse on May 24, 2021, 05:15:30 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 24, 2021, 07:38:49 PM
Found a little more than two pounds worth on Sunday. I'm afraid this just isn't the year for my haunts at least. Not enough moisture but we did get a rain last week that was helpful for this last weekend. Oh well, was still a lot of fun and if it rains more I will get back after it.
We are having the same issues. several spots that produce consistently every year have only given up 20-30. Normally get 200-300 from these spots by now. UGH
Post by: kellama2001 on May 25, 2021, 09:01:36 AM
I'm hoping to get out and find some this weekend. Area we are going should get some rain this week, then mid 70s by Sunday. Wish me luck!
Post by: idaho guy on May 25, 2021, 10:27:08 AM
Found a little more than two pounds worth on Sunday. I'm afraid this just isn't the year for my haunts at least. Not enough moisture but we did get a rain last week that was helpful for this last weekend. Oh well, was still a lot of fun and if it rains more I will get back after it.
We are having the same issues. several spots that produce consistently every year have only given up 20-30. Normally get 200-300 from these spots by now. UGH
Glad to hear it’s not just my “spot” which conveniently is our spring bear hunting spot. Went from hundreds to just around 10 per trip we usually don’t look to hard but never had to before
Post by: KopperBuck on May 25, 2021, 11:28:39 AM
Nice! Hmmm always cut ours in half lengthwise to dry, your style reminds me of heart rings, gonna have to try doing rings
Similar where the tip of heart/mushroom is the best too! I started doing it this way because they dry quicker. I have to leave it unattended usually so I just leave it on the lowest setting. Also, easier to reconstitute and toss in meals. I've never eaten them as their own thing unless they were fresh.
We've had in places over an 1" here in the valley, and most of the timber got a good drink. I'm looking forward to this week before they all burn off - supposed to be 90+ here at 3k. :bash:
Post by: OutHouse on May 25, 2021, 12:28:53 PM
Found a little more than two pounds worth on Sunday. I'm afraid this just isn't the year for my haunts at least. Not enough moisture but we did get a rain last week that was helpful for this last weekend. Oh well, was still a lot of fun and if it rains more I will get back after it.
We are having the same issues. several spots that produce consistently every year have only given up 20-30. Normally get 200-300 from these spots by now. UGH
Glad to hear it’s not just my “spot” which conveniently is our spring bear hunting spot. Went from hundreds to just around 10 per trip we usually don’t look to hard but never had to before
This makes me feel better as well. I had a steep old elk trail I used to head straight up and find some whopper banana sized caps and many medium sized ones but it wasn't very productive this year. I think last year had excellent rain fall in late April where I'm at which probably made it such a good year.
Post by: quackkiller on May 29, 2021, 10:02:43 PM
Post by: KopperBuck on June 01, 2021, 09:35:18 AM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 01, 2021, 07:33:20 PM
Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 01, 2021, 08:48:27 PM
Finally got into a few, high elevation, ground 40% covered in snow, low sunlight area. Such a bad year for these buggers....hoping to get one more day of good finding this coming weekend.have you ever tried the screen material out in the Sun? Super quick and easy and no mess in the dehydrator
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 02, 2021, 05:18:16 AM
Post by: Sandberm on June 02, 2021, 11:22:43 AM
A buddy of mine calls me up at 5:30 yesterday morning, says he has the day off and hes headin' up to the mountains and asks if i want to go.
"Sure, sounds like a relaxing day" (and it was).
So, we found maybe 20 morels and a few corrals. My initial observation of trying to find mushrooms...MORELS ARE HARD TO SEE! They are like pine cones standing up, some are darker then others.
When my friend pointed out the first one found so I knew what to look for I exclaimed, "Now I know why you are walking so slow" :chuckle:
Post by: Igottanewknee on June 02, 2021, 12:02:18 PM
Post by: Norman89 on June 02, 2021, 12:07:32 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 02, 2021, 12:30:58 PM
I went mushroom hunting for the first time yesterday.
A buddy of mine calls me up at 5:30 yesterday morning, says he has the day off and hes headin' up to the mountains and asks if i want to go.
"Sure, sounds like a relaxing day" (and it was).
So, we found maybe 20 morels and a few corrals. My initial observation of trying to find mushrooms...MORELS ARE HARD TO SEE! They are like pine cones standing up, some are darker then others.
When my friend pointed out the first one found so I knew what to look for I exclaimed, "Now I know why you are walking so slow" :chuckle:
Take kids with you. They're closer to the ground, good at it, and love it. Always hunt going uphill. You'll see them a lot easier.
Post by: Sandberm on June 02, 2021, 12:37:05 PM
When i found one, there was always a second nearby. Yes, looking uphill was much easier.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 06, 2021, 04:53:49 PM
Post by: Jingles on June 06, 2021, 04:58:58 PM
Post by: luvmystang67 on June 08, 2021, 09:14:59 AM
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Post by: Southpole on June 08, 2021, 09:45:47 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 08, 2021, 11:44:45 AM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 08, 2021, 06:52:38 PM
Post by: rawhide67 on April 09, 2022, 06:06:18 PM
Post by: MR5x5 on April 10, 2022, 10:34:24 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 10, 2022, 11:24:59 AM
Post by: LDennis24 on April 10, 2022, 11:52:36 AM
Post by: Norman89 on April 10, 2022, 01:23:12 PM
They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Post by: LDennis24 on April 10, 2022, 01:58:39 PM
Post by: Born2late on April 10, 2022, 02:54:50 PM
I tried the old slurry in a bucket last year and poured it in the woods behind the house in certain locations. I'm gonna go look in about an hour and I will let you know if I find anything. If I do I will let everyone know forever until I die... That I managed to cultivate morels! LOL. Yeah right huh....I just did this yesterday to try and see if it works.What was your slurry if you don't mind me asking?I ran big branches through our big chipper and mixed 3 mushrooms each and added a big spoon full of honey to each bucket. watched a video of a lady that did that and said it worked real well. Will see if it actually works next year.
these are verpas we are picking . they are out heavy right now
Post by: Dan-o on April 10, 2022, 09:02:41 PM
:o. I see a stuffed eagle in the background... :dunno:
LOL
It's shiny.
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 11, 2022, 09:21:10 AM
I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
Post by: Norman89 on April 11, 2022, 02:28:52 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 11, 2022, 02:35:34 PM
Sounds like a hell of a mentor, and friend. Wish I had a friend like that, so many mushroom pickers are stingy with information and you can only learn so much from a book. Morels chanterelles corals and devil's club are the only known to me wild edibles that I go after, hell I just found out last week that east side of our state we have wild asparagus!
Were I you, I would join the Puget Sound Mycological society. Lots of mentors in that organization and you'll be able to go on forrays with experienced pickers. https://www.psms.org/
Post by: Igottanewknee on April 11, 2022, 05:58:11 PM
Post by: Jake Dogfish on April 11, 2022, 07:23:24 PM
Sounds like a great guy! Cool story! :tup:I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
Post by: LDennis24 on April 12, 2022, 01:06:53 PM
I tried the old slurry in a bucket last year and poured it in the woods behind the house in certain locations. I'm gonna go look in about an hour and I will let you know if I find anything. If I do I will let everyone know forever until I die... That I managed to cultivate morels! LOL. Yeah right huh....I just did this yesterday to try and see if it works.What was your slurry if you don't mind me asking?I ran big branches through our big chipper and mixed 3 mushrooms each and added a big spoon full of honey to each bucket. watched a video of a lady that did that and said it worked real well. Will see if it actually works next year.
these are verpas we are picking . they are out heavy right now
I just used rice and bran as that was what I had laying around to sacrifice. I haven't found anything yet but it could take years! Who knows
Post by: kellama2001 on April 13, 2022, 09:06:22 AM
Sounds like a great guy! Cool story! :tup:I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
:yeah: very cool story! And a blessing to have known someone like that. Looking forward to getting out and foraging this spring, but looks like it'll be a little while yet. Just had more snow dumped in my good spots this week :-\
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 13, 2022, 09:43:42 AM
Sounds like a great guy! Cool story! :tup:I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
:yeah: very cool story! And a blessing to have known someone like that. Looking forward to getting out and foraging this spring, but looks like it'll be a little while yet. Just had more snow dumped in my good spots this week :-\
It'll be interesting to see what this snow does to the morel season, as we really have little history to indicate it, at least on the westside. Could the extra nitrogen in snowfall help? Could the cold stop the early season altogether? How will this affect the burns?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 13, 2022, 11:56:30 AM
Post by: OutHouse on April 13, 2022, 12:40:50 PM
Sounds like a great guy! Cool story! :tup:I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
:yeah: very cool story! And a blessing to have known someone like that. Looking forward to getting out and foraging this spring, but looks like it'll be a little while yet. Just had more snow dumped in my good spots this week :-\
It'll be interesting to see what this snow does to the morel season, as we really have little history to indicate it, at least on the westside. Could the extra nitrogen in snowfall help? Could the cold stop the early season altogether? How will this affect the burns?
I have four inches on the ground 10 minutes west of Yakima. My hope is that the extra moisture helps the crop. If it melts soon and we get some rain in early may could be good.
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 13, 2022, 12:51:17 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on April 13, 2022, 06:37:51 PM
Sounds like a great guy! Cool story! :tup:I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
:yeah: very cool story! And a blessing to have known someone like that. Looking forward to getting out and foraging this spring, but looks like it'll be a little while yet. Just had more snow dumped in my good spots this week :-\
It'll be interesting to see what this snow does to the morel season, as we really have little history to indicate it, at least on the westside. Could the extra nitrogen in snowfall help? Could the cold stop the early season altogether? How will this affect the burns?
I have four inches on the ground 10 minutes west of Yakima. My hope is that the extra moisture helps the crop. If it melts soon and we get some rain in early may could be good.
This :yeah:
Last year one of my best spots did not produce any. It was a dry spring and the ground/dirt was dry too. I Believe this current weather will be awesome for this year.
Post by: OutHouse on April 14, 2022, 03:31:16 PM
Sounds like a great guy! Cool story! :tup:I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
:yeah: very cool story! And a blessing to have known someone like that. Looking forward to getting out and foraging this spring, but looks like it'll be a little while yet. Just had more snow dumped in my good spots this week :-\
It'll be interesting to see what this snow does to the morel season, as we really have little history to indicate it, at least on the westside. Could the extra nitrogen in snowfall help? Could the cold stop the early season altogether? How will this affect the burns?
I have four inches on the ground 10 minutes west of Yakima. My hope is that the extra moisture helps the crop. If it melts soon and we get some rain in early may could be good.
This :yeah:
Last year one of my best spots did not produce any. It was a dry spring and the ground/dirt was dry too. I Believe this current weather will be awesome for this year.
Same. I had a place where I picked well over five pounds in less than an hour (and left a significant amount for next years spore) but then last year there was almost nothing. Just not enough water during the spring.
Over Christmas we took some frozen ones and fried them up real crisp and then added them to sausage gravy for biscuits and gravy. It was a hit!
Post by: NOCK NOCK on April 14, 2022, 05:18:29 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 15, 2022, 07:11:32 AM
We Dehydrate them yearly. They reconstitute really close to fresh condition.
Dehydrating concentrates the flavor. A lot of chefs prefer them to fresh because of shelf life. The one thing to be careful of is moth larvae.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on April 15, 2022, 05:55:29 PM
We Dehydrate them yearly. They reconstitute really close to fresh condition.
Dehydrating concentrates the flavor. A lot of chefs prefer them to fresh because of shelf life. The one thing to be careful of is moth larvae.
Is that something that happens if not stored airtight? More protein :chuckle:
Post by: NOCK NOCK on April 15, 2022, 06:06:35 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 16, 2022, 09:46:57 AM
We Dehydrate them yearly. They reconstitute really close to fresh condition.
Dehydrating concentrates the flavor. A lot of chefs prefer them to fresh because of shelf life. The one thing to be careful of is moth larvae.
Is that something that happens if not stored airtight? More protein :chuckle:
It's difficult to store dried morels completely airtight because it can crush them. Be careful to just suck a little air out of the bag.
Post by: Buck Rub Jr on April 16, 2022, 10:47:40 AM
Post by: Norman89 on April 16, 2022, 01:19:28 PM
Post by: ducks4days on April 16, 2022, 07:59:12 PM
Post by: Tenkara on April 23, 2022, 03:53:03 PM
Post by: Igottanewknee on April 28, 2022, 03:51:56 PM
Post by: mcrawfordaf on April 28, 2022, 04:18:48 PM
Anybody finding any on the east side yet?Not for me. But I'm not that good at finding em to be fair. Looking around 2200-3000 elevation on an old burn
Post by: NOCK NOCK on April 28, 2022, 04:49:19 PM
Post by: OutHouse on April 28, 2022, 05:03:56 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 28, 2022, 06:39:03 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on April 28, 2022, 07:51:38 PM
I think it will be a decent year in central wa if the commercial pickers don’t trash the burn scar. Everyone I know is already finding them along rivers and creeks and in the orchards.
Post by: OutHouse on April 29, 2022, 08:45:25 AM
Already been doing real good over here with close to 5 lbs picked and eaten the last few weeks. Headed to town tomorrow to buy more racks for my dehydrator then it will be show time.
I think it will be a decent year in central wa if the commercial pickers don’t trash the burn scar. Everyone I know is already finding them along rivers and creeks and in the orchards.
I've heard the same. They are out down low but not up high in the mountains yet. I knew a guy who found them in the trees next to the greenway.
Post by: Tenkara on April 30, 2022, 11:55:56 AM
Post by: HAGEMANIAC on May 02, 2022, 10:16:02 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on May 03, 2022, 07:25:45 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 03, 2022, 07:39:27 AM
5.5lbs today in the North East. 2300', west facing, recently logged and very open. 98% found along CAT road. Would have liked to pick more but my turkey vest was full! 32oz Nalgene for scale.
Nice haul, buddy. We got skunked but I did pick some miner's lettuce, fireweed tops, and wood sorrel for the salad.
Post by: MR5x5 on May 03, 2022, 09:11:54 AM
I'm heading east to Winthrop this weekend. Have never looked for morels but I know with all the fires last year it could be good. does anyone have any tips for me on type of area to focus my efforts? I read HAGEMANIAC's post and seems warm side of hills, recently cleared timber areas (Burn) with disturbed soil maybe? Want to take my 4 year old out to do some exploring.
You pretty much got it. Look for micro exposures, i.e. slight nuances in direction, lighting, foliage. Study the ground. You need to get your mushroom eyes on! You will undoubtedly look through many before it finally clicks. I think they are a bit easier to notice working uphill.
Post by: 7mmfan on May 03, 2022, 09:55:18 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 03, 2022, 10:16:48 AM
5.5lbs today in the North East. 2300', west facing, recently logged and very open. 98% found along CAT road. Would have liked to pick more but my turkey vest was full! 32oz Nalgene for scale.Wait till you dehydrate them, if you do, you'll have about .0020z lol.
Post by: KP-Skagit on May 03, 2022, 10:41:36 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on May 03, 2022, 04:04:08 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 03, 2022, 04:09:26 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on May 03, 2022, 04:17:59 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 03, 2022, 04:22:27 PM
Thanks Pman. I may do just that. God knows I got enough crab meat. I've never found one this large.
It's the best combo. You'll dig it.
Post by: trophyhunt on May 03, 2022, 04:24:11 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 03, 2022, 04:26:37 PM
I had two that were prob bigger than that, after they came out of the dehydrator they are the size of a silver dollar now. My smaller ones are the size of a dime! Should I just cook them in butter and garlic? 10 min?yeah, but I like to cook them in butter and finish with some dry sherry until it gets thick, almost gone.
Post by: Tenkara on May 03, 2022, 04:43:20 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on May 03, 2022, 05:11:22 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on May 03, 2022, 05:29:34 PM
Found this one today in the yard. Do I get some kind of prize?
WOW thats incredible!, they still make Fresca!!!!!
LOL
Nice one. We have a spot that with good spring weather conditions, puts out many that size. Biggest so far was larger than a softball, tallest was 12"
This year might be the year to try and best our records. Still 2-3 weeks out for us.
Post by: trophyhunt on May 03, 2022, 07:52:21 PM
Post by: Limhangerslayer on May 03, 2022, 08:13:57 PM
Didn’t have sherry but put the dehydrated shrooms in a pan with butter, garlic, medium temp, for about 15 min. Way too crispy, not very good. Is there such a thing as over dehydrating them??no, you can’t over dehydrate them. Abs the only way I dry them out is on a screen in the sun. You need to rehydrate before cooking. Soak them then dry or lightly steam them.
Post by: NRA4LIFE on May 03, 2022, 08:36:56 PM
Found this one today in the yard. Do I get some kind of prize?
WOW thats incredible!, they still make Fresca!!!!!
Heck Yeah! The only thing I drink. Sometimes hard to find during COVID.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 04, 2022, 05:27:10 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 04, 2022, 06:45:06 AM
Didn’t have sherry but put the dehydrated shrooms in a pan with butter, garlic, medium temp, for about 15 min. Way too crispy, not very good. Is there such a thing as over dehydrating them??No but you should rehydrate them, with water, cream if you’re making a cream sauce, or stock.
Post by: Alex4200 on May 07, 2022, 11:49:13 AM
Post by: teanawayslayer on May 07, 2022, 12:37:51 PM
Found this one today in the yard. Do I get some kind of prize?that’s a monster!
Post by: OutHouse on May 09, 2022, 08:41:52 AM
Post by: mcrawfordaf on May 09, 2022, 08:59:42 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on May 10, 2022, 08:37:57 AM
Post by: idaho guy on May 10, 2022, 04:55:42 PM
Found several at about 2500 feet Saturday but my hot spots at 5000-5600 feet were still partially snow covered! Couldn't believe it. Some other areas I know off of 410 looked great but the ground was very wet so not a whole lot out yet at least in my spots.
We have a bear bait that is also a hot spot for morels thats still partially snow covered. Found about a dozen sunday :tup:
Post by: OutHouse on May 10, 2022, 05:41:57 PM
Found several at about 2500 feet Saturday but my hot spots at 5000-5600 feet were still partially snow covered! Couldn't believe it. Some other areas I know off of 410 looked great but the ground was very wet so not a whole lot out yet at least in my spots.
We have a bear bait that is also a hot spot for morels thats still partially snow covered. Found about a dozen sunday :tup:
You found them next to the snow? I always thought it was too wet in those conditions. I'm no expert but I have gotten lucky with the morels a time or two!
Post by: idaho guy on May 10, 2022, 05:50:41 PM
Found several at about 2500 feet Saturday but my hot spots at 5000-5600 feet were still partially snow covered! Couldn't believe it. Some other areas I know off of 410 looked great but the ground was very wet so not a whole lot out yet at least in my spots.
We have a bear bait that is also a hot spot for morels thats still partially snow covered. Found about a dozen sunday :tup:
You found them next to the snow? I always thought it was too wet in those conditions. I'm no expert but I have gotten lucky with the morels a time or two!
On the trail going in we found a group of really fresh ones, and yes there were still a few patches of snow around. I used my tracked utv to get up to the trail as there was still ALOT of snow on the shaded corners etc.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on May 10, 2022, 06:33:07 PM
Post by: PsoasHunter on May 10, 2022, 10:31:42 PM
Post by: CJ1962 on May 22, 2022, 08:39:50 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 23, 2022, 08:05:32 AM
Post by: Furee65 on May 23, 2022, 08:15:49 AM
Post by: salmosalar on May 23, 2022, 08:59:29 AM
I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
That was neat to read. He sounds like a very interesting man and a fine teacher.
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 23, 2022, 10:20:43 AM
I started foraging around 1990. I learned how to pick matsutake and morels from a friend in the food business while I was selling for Food Services of America. In 2002, I met a Cherokee named Running Squirrel (Earl Aherns/pictured) who'd moved as an infant with his father out to Yakima from the East. When I knew him, he lived in Washougal and was a supplier for an exotic foods company I worked for that shipped wild mushrooms, truffles, weird oils and vinegars, etc., to top chefs all over the country. I went with him on foraging excursions frequently, probably at least 20 weekends a year. He wasn't big on morels but in the Spring, we would forage wild greens and flowers - stinging nettle, mustard flowers and greens, wood violets, miner's lettuce, lemon balm, wood sorrel, wild roses, devil's club shoots, fireweed, and more. Out of these things he made a salad which has been featured in the NYT and the LA Times and was a favorite of these top chefs. We'd start picking porcini in May, lobsters in July, chanterelles in August, and about 8-10 other varieties during the fall.They're coming up at 1500' just across the river. The thimble caps are pretty much done but there are blonds in the cottonwoods.How many years have you been picking and where did you learn so much? It seems you are one of the forum experts thought, I was ahead of the curve and have been out looking but nothing so far :dunno:
Earl lived a meager life in an old single-wide with a rotten floor. He ate wild food and canned beans and had about 6 cats to keep the rats down. He'd pick in the rain, heat - didn't matter. I got him a rain suit that he wore for years until it tattered. When he died from lung cancer and a host of other ailments, his POS child molester son didn't let me know even though he knew we were close. I learned a few months later from one of Earl's old girlfriends who's a good friend to this day. I learned most of what I know about foraging from Running Squirrel and am forever grateful.
That was neat to read. He sounds like a very interesting man and a fine teacher.
He was. I miss foraging with him.
Post by: bearpaw on May 23, 2022, 10:36:13 AM
Post by: KFhunter on May 23, 2022, 12:15:02 PM
I want to freeze dry a bunch and powder it, mix with other stuff for a sprinkle on steak rub
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 02, 2022, 07:14:52 AM
Pretty interesting
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 02, 2022, 07:18:41 AM
Seems that elevation is only relevant to air temp this year. Down low in valley bottoms its cold so shrooms have been small, get up higher and they have been better sized.
Post by: Norman89 on June 02, 2022, 07:28:49 AM
Post by: ganghis on June 02, 2022, 09:01:16 AM
Post by: kellama2001 on June 06, 2022, 08:36:22 AM
Had some luck up in the Schneider Springs burn last weekend. Seemed like 3500-3800 feet was where we found the most - quality was better in partial shade, near logs and water that retain some moisture.
That's a great haul!! We found a few over memorial weekend, 3600 elevation. Nothing in the higher up burned areas we checked out yet, still too cold I guess.
Post by: OutHouse on June 06, 2022, 02:33:07 PM
Post by: OutHouse on June 06, 2022, 02:35:16 PM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 06, 2022, 06:30:16 PM
Headed towards another area a bit lower, 3 bowls are me from Sunday, Today with the better half we found the other bowls, 406 count today.
Post by: OutHouse on June 07, 2022, 08:26:52 AM
Post by: OutHouse on June 09, 2022, 06:47:52 PM
It's crazy. Morels even taste different to me now. The taste is still decent but its not the same (not nearly as good) and my mind is like "whaa??" after I swallow it down. I will be giving all my morels away in the future. I still love to find them and so will continue to hunt for em'.
Post by: Southpole on June 09, 2022, 07:06:08 PM
The verdict is in. I have developed an allergy to morels and it will likely last the rest of my life I have been told. Been eating them (in large amounts which is probably the downfall) for years and now my gut just won't handle them. Quick onset of nausea and then vomiting. Thought it was alcohol induced but now it happens regardless of alcohol consumption.I love morels but with some health issues we avoid them ( especially with alcohol) I know people that have the same experience you do with reactions with morels. Not everyone can get along with them.
It's crazy. Morels even taste different to me now. The taste is still decent but its not the same (not nearly as good) and my mind is like "whaa??" after I swallow it down. I will be giving all my morels away in the future. I still love to find them and so will continue to hunt for em'.
Post by: Birdgetter on June 09, 2022, 07:18:39 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220610/505518193f74a173cfda49e7880a7fd7.jpg)
It’s been a great year for me. Looking forward to hitting some of my higher elevation spots in the next couple weeks.
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Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 09, 2022, 08:14:12 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220610/c7a1ba1ca30e668914e210336e4361bf.jpg)hopefully that isn’t National forest land and you harvested more then your 5 gallon allotment! Oh ya, and make sure you have your harvest paper with you so you don’t get a warning or worse yet a ticket!!🤦🏻
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220610/505518193f74a173cfda49e7880a7fd7.jpg)
It’s been a great year for me. Looking forward to hitting some of my higher elevation spots in the next couple weeks.
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Post by: kellama2001 on June 10, 2022, 07:43:38 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220610/c7a1ba1ca30e668914e210336e4361bf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220610/505518193f74a173cfda49e7880a7fd7.jpg)
It’s been a great year for me. Looking forward to hitting some of my higher elevation spots in the next couple weeks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Great haul! :tup: :tup: Do you mind sharing what elevation you found them at?
Post by: MR5x5 on June 10, 2022, 08:03:02 AM
Good luck out there.
Post by: kellama2001 on June 10, 2022, 08:25:56 AM
Elevation will be particular to an area. Think temperature instead. Morels want soil temps of 50-55F. Look for elevations with air temp ranges of mid 40s to 60. Bring a digital thermometer to check the soil. As for the William O Douglas burn we were finding them lower than higher last week, 3000- 3500 ft.
Good luck out there.
Good info, thank you. I'm still learning and never thought to bring a thermometer to check soil Temps. :tup:
Post by: mcrawfordaf on June 10, 2022, 09:18:40 AM
Would this be a good place to try? https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803/
I've only found about a dozen so far this year and it was on a burn from 2018. Hoping a more recent burn = more growth?
Post by: jrebel on June 10, 2022, 09:32:23 AM
Post by: bearhunter99 on June 10, 2022, 10:10:06 AM
Post by: OutHouse on June 10, 2022, 03:38:26 PM
My son had a bad experience with them a couple years ago.....thus the lack of morel hunting on my part. He had been eating them with no problems.....then the last time he had them he had an upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. Makes it hard to get excited to pick them after that. I have never had a reaction....my wife and daughter don't like them.....thus no morels for our family. Super bummed......it was one of the activities that made me look forward to spring. :bash: :bash:
If you ever come through Yakima area during that time of year I will hook you up if I have them. I'm still gonna look for them. I had a moment when I realized the "relationship" might be over and I got sad. Then I realized they just don't taste the same anymore and I felt better Ha haaa.
By the way nice hauls everyone!
Post by: kellama2001 on June 12, 2022, 05:13:59 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on June 12, 2022, 06:54:03 PM
My son had a bad experience with them a couple years ago.....thus the lack of morel hunting on my part. He had been eating them with no problems.....then the last time he had them he had an upset stomach, nausea and vomiting. Makes it hard to get excited to pick them after that. I have never had a reaction....my wife and daughter don't like them.....thus no morels for our family. Super bummed......it was one of the activities that made me look forward to spring. :bash: :bash:
May there have been a false morel or two in there? I know several people who have had varying bad experiences with them.
Post by: johnbmyersii on June 13, 2022, 06:19:03 AM
Post by: MR5x5 on June 13, 2022, 04:27:16 PM
Has a great Sunday finding all the species I look for, there were cauliflower everywhere and the boletus are starting to come in
Not seeing any cauliflower shrooms there?? Look like corals to me. Be careful out there!
Post by: Platensek-po on June 13, 2022, 04:31:33 PM
Has a great Sunday finding all the species I look for, there were cauliflower everywhere and the boletus are starting to come in
Not seeing any cauliflower shrooms there?? Look like corals to me. Be careful out there!
Def not cauliflowers. I agree that they are corals.
Post by: johnbmyersii on June 13, 2022, 04:41:03 PM
Has a great Sunday finding all the species I look for, there were cauliflower everywhere and the boletus are starting to come in
Not seeing any cauliflower shrooms there?? Look like corals to me. Be careful out there!
huh Ive always called them cauliflower. No matter they taste good
Post by: teanawayslayer on June 13, 2022, 04:56:26 PM
Post by: mburrows on June 19, 2022, 02:19:42 PM
Post by: chukar58 on June 19, 2022, 05:44:29 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on June 19, 2022, 06:36:15 PM
Post by: Southpole on June 19, 2022, 06:42:37 PM
Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 19, 2022, 08:37:35 PM
Post by: Onewhohikes on June 20, 2022, 05:37:54 AM
Post by: Rb1 on June 20, 2022, 08:50:22 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220620/303d141d45eed87a4bf44552f7bb3682.jpg)
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Post by: hunter399 on June 20, 2022, 08:51:20 AM
To still be finding good clean morels under 4000’ this late in the year is not common. I’ve picked for 2 hours in the last week and ended up with 15lbsI was thinking id pick that Coors ,than all them mushrooms and fry them up.
Looks good. 👍
Post by: Rb1 on June 20, 2022, 09:14:23 AM
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Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 20, 2022, 06:57:42 PM
With the lingering winter snows and lots of spring rain this year for morel mushrooms will be one for the record books and not to even mention looking in all the burn areas.
Hit several of our higher elevation areas yesterday. Weird year. One area should have been good with all the rain, but it had zero. 2nd area had a few, but still needs to warm up and grow them a little bigger. 3rd, and best producing area was still mostly snow covered.....it will be 2 more weeks for that spot to produce......5 weeks later than normal.
Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 20, 2022, 07:33:10 PM
I’m not sure there’s any alcohol worth mentioning in a Coors lightthat’s why I hike with coors light, then drink IPA’s and whiskey at camp!
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Post by: Limhangerslayer on June 20, 2022, 07:34:54 PM
i winder with this heat if it’s going to be a quick short stint of a couple days at the higher elevation spots with the incoming heat?With the lingering winter snows and lots of spring rain this year for morel mushrooms will be one for the record books and not to even mention looking in all the burn areas.
Hit several of our higher elevation areas yesterday. Weird year. One area should have been good with all the rain, but it had zero. 2nd area had a few, but still needs to warm up and grow them a little bigger. 3rd, and best producing area was still mostly snow covered.....it will be 2 more weeks for that spot to produce......5 weeks later than normal.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 20, 2022, 07:47:17 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on June 20, 2022, 08:13:33 PM
Is it wild berry season yet? :chuckle:
Post by: kellama2001 on June 28, 2022, 07:22:45 AM
Post by: bearpaw on June 30, 2022, 06:42:07 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 30, 2022, 06:50:14 AM
Post by: Angry Perch on June 30, 2022, 09:26:38 AM
I put a basket full of morels into the dehydrator and pushed the button, came back when it was done and I had tiny, tiny very little mushrooms left. Is this normal? and how do I cook them now, in butter and garlic fried up? Did I over dehydrate them?
Ya, they are mostly water. Soak to rehydrate, then cook like you said. I also love to grind dried mushrooms into a powder and cover steaks with it before grilling. So good!
Post by: boneaddict on June 30, 2022, 11:11:41 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on June 30, 2022, 11:15:22 AM
I put a basket full of morels into the dehydrator and pushed the button, came back when it was done and I had tiny, tiny very little mushrooms left. Is this normal? and how do I cook them now, in butter and garlic fried up? Did I over dehydrate them?
Ya, they are mostly water. Soak to rehydrate, then cook like you said. I also love to grind dried mushrooms into a powder and cover steaks with it before grilling. So good!
I do that with birch boletes. We put the powder in lots of dishes.
Post by: LDennis24 on June 30, 2022, 12:53:27 PM
Post by: MR5x5 on July 01, 2022, 08:53:46 AM
Quick tangent here, bearpaw mentioned boletes and I'm not as experienced with them. Do the yellow pored ones cause gastric upset or does anyone know what ones to avoid in Eastern Washington for boletes?
Lots of Boletes to consider. None are truly poisonous, but some can cause stomach issues for individuals. Scratch the undersized of the cap to see if it stains blueish - if it does, proceed with caution if you want to eat it. Cook thoroughly.
Kings have a pretty distinctive - bulbous shape - and will not stain blue. Hardest part is to get to them before the bugs! When you cut one, look at the base for signs of bugs, cut out flesh that looks too hammered and enjoy the rest.
Great guide for PNW mushrooms:
https://www.alpental.com/psms/PNWMushrooms/PictorialKey/index.htm
Post by: LDennis24 on July 01, 2022, 10:17:04 AM