Beginning in April or May Morel hunters in Montana have a variety of signs they watch closely for to signal that these tasty fungi are growing: Has there been enough rain, followed by a few warm days? Are the ruffed grouse drumming their wings? I’ve heard it called, “A Montana right of Spring.” Novices bring plastic bags on their hunt, seasoned lookers bring paper bags.
I have looked three different years in Spring, and to date have only found ONE mushroom when looking along Cottonwoods by the Boulder River on a friend’s property. That one mushroom was a happy victory! One year we went to an area that had burned the year before – there is a species of Morel that loves burnt soil. Last year I looked a few different days along the river near where I live. Nothing! I found other mushrooms but not the elusive Morel.
The top photo was a gift from a friend – sauteed in butter and mixed with pasta – indescribable! This Spring has been cold. But today as the rain falls steadily, and I see in the forecast several warm sunny days, I think I’ll take a stroll near the river to look once again. It’s such a fun treasure hunt! And if I find any, I may share some but you know, the location of the find is kept under lock and key :o).