The 2022 Moose Fire in the Salmon-Challis National Forest was devastating. But the forest’s ability to recover can be miraculous, particularly when it brings gold in the form of mushrooms.Morel mushrooms like moist soil, and are temperamental about soil temperature. So it’s a little surprising that they’re most abundant the year after wildfires like the Moose Fire, which is why Salmon-Challis National Forest officials are preparing for a busy morel spring.
Whether you’re a veteran morel hunter or just want to try your hand, don’t worry — because of spring coming late, they haven’t reached their peak yet.
Luckily for novices like me, City Cast Boise Host Emma Arnold grew up hunting morels, so she has a few pointers on how to harvest responsibly (the conversation on morels starts at 7:30).
Before you head for the hills, check if you need to get a permit based on how much you’re gathering. Typically, if you’re just getting enough for dinner, you’re good to go, but it does vary by county.
Here are some more dos and don’ts:
- Like other mushrooms, don’t put them in plastic.
- Don’t harvest morels smaller than your thumb.
- Similarly, avoid over-harvesting by only taking half the mushrooms you see. That helps save some for other harvesters, but more importantly, ensures a more abundant population.
- Emma said, “The biggest thing when you’re out morel hunting is that you never, ever, ever, ever eat a mushroom that you aren’t 100% you can positively identify.”
- Do join the Southern Idaho Mycological Association!
Happy hunting!
