JACKSON, Wyo. — Spring in Wyoming can be elusive, but it is a great time for morel mushroom gathering.

Depending on the weather, the best time to look for morels is between late April to early July. These mushrooms need the ground temperature to reach approximately 50 degrees before they begin to grow. All it takes is a little bit of research and the right timing, and a plentiful bounty of morel mushrooms can be found sitting at the base of the next tree.

Morels can sell for upwards of $30 a pound, making foraging a great way to enjoy these tasty morsels without breaking the bank. Not every outing will be successful, but the thrill of the hunt is what makes it all worthwhile.

Step 1: Learn how to identify a morel

CAUTION: This is the most important part of hunting for morels. There are false morels that can be poisonous so it is critical to know the difference. They are found early in the season and can become very large. They are also known as red morels or elephant ears. Reference this chart for how to identify a real morel mushroom.

Step 2: Timing & Location

Look for the first tree buds and a few warm days as a sign that the morel mushroom hunting season has begun. Treed areas are a great place to look as it’s believed that morels are mycorrhizal, meaning they form a mutually beneficial relationship with the tree roots. Burn sites are also a great place to look as morels thrive on the nutrients that burned trees release back into the soil.

Step 3: Follow mushroom hunting etiquette

  • Always use a mesh bag for collecting morels, not plastic or paper.
    Wild mushrooms spread by the dispersal of spores. The more spores that drop, the better the chances of more mushrooms in the future!
  • Do not pick every single mushroom. Leave a few so they can continue to drop spores and others can enjoy them for years to come.
  • Permits are not required for personal use. Harvesters can collect up to one gallon per day for personal use. Anyone trying to collect more than that and/or sell mushrooms must have a commercial permit from the Forest Service.

Step 4: Be Safe

It can be easy to get lost or disoriented when walking in the woods. It’s always a good idea to have a friend or someone else along to get help if needed. It is also a good idea when walking around the woods in bear country to be bear-aware and carry bear spray.

Happy hunting!