How to Hunt for Morels in Iowa

Morels are a tasty mushroom found in Iowa in the spring. Hunting for them is a fun and tasty pastime. Read on to get in on the fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Long pants
• Sneakers
• A car
• Orange bag or potato bag (Morels spread through spores that release when the morels are jostled--so it is important to let the spores spread as you look for more)
• Patience

1. Morels grow in the spring in wooded areas around dead elm trees and logs, in river and creek beds where there there is rich dark soil. Find places that have elms and wait for a warm moist morning, preferably after a rain, and head out morel hunting. Morels like to grown in conditions where it is in the sixties during the day and no colder than the forties at night; so don't jump the gun.
2. Look around dead elm trees and stumps. Morels prefer the shaded woods, but hunt in places where some trees have fallen, allowing sunlight to filter in. Also, check areas where forest fires have cleared patched in the woods.
3. Often hunting for morels requires multiple trips. Watch the weather and be ready to head out early in the morning.
4. Know what you are looking for. Morels have many dangerous impostors. Make sure you have morels before eating.

Tips & Warnings

• Go with someone who has hunted morels before.
• Take your family for a fun outdoor activity.