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How to Find Morel Mushrooms in Josephine County, Oregon

Josephine County, Oregon is located in the extreme southwestern portion of the state of Oregon. The common morel mushroom can be found in the fields and forests of Josephine County in the spring, usually May through June. The morel is one of the easier mushrooms to identify and is collected for both personal and commercial use in southern Oregon.

Things You'll Need

Container for mushrooms
Pocket knife
Mushroom field guide
Permits

Instructions

- 1
  Apply and pay for any needed permits. A large portion of Josephine County is public land, so call the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, at 541-618-2200 for permit fees. A Bureau of Land Management office can be located at the Josephine county seat, Grants Pass, at 541-471-6514, for permission to hunt on their lands. The Oregon State Department of Forestry office can be reached at 503-945-7200. Get permission from any private landowners as well.
- 2
  Search your selected area for the morels. In the mountains and forests, search around burned-over conifer forest locations. At higher elevations in the later spring, search near the snow line.
- 3
  Identify your morels carefully. Use a good field guide. Collect the morels by cutting or pinching them off at ground level. Brush off any dirt and place them in a paper sack, basket or mesh bag.

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