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How to Hunt Morel Mushrooms in Kankakee, Illinois

Morel mushrooms are considered a delicacy by many people. Morels are most commonly found around the Great Lakes region in the United States, including Kankakee, Illinois. Hunting for morels is an annual ritual for many mushroom fans. Hunting season usually begins in mid-April, but can vary depending on weather conditions. Morels grow around certain types of dead or dying trees. For inexperienced hunters, locating these trees and identifying morels can take a considerable amount of time.

Things You'll Need

Knife
Mesh bag

Instructions

- 1
  Select a day to go hunting during morel season. Morels emerge when spring weather reaches 60 to 70 degrees during the day and stays above 40 degrees overnight, generally in mid-April. The season only lasts 3 to 4 weeks. High humidity is also needed for morel growth.
- 2
  Identify dead or dying elms, ash or poplar trees in wooded areas (See Resources). Morels favor the decomposition of these species. Healthy trees may also have morels growing near.
- 3
  Search for small conical, sponge-like mushrooms measuring 1 to 3 inches tall in shaded areas. Morels grow on the ground near tree trunks, stumps, or fallen trees. Morels vary in color from yellow, gray, brown, and black. False morels, mushrooms that appear similar to morels, contain a cotton-like meaty core when sliced vertically. Real morels are hollow throughout and delicate.
- 4
  Cut the mushroom cleanly at its base with a knife.
- 5
  Place the harvested mushroom into a mesh or perforated bag. This allows spores to fall onto the ground. Spores are like seeds, and need to be dispersed to produce next season's fruit.

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