There is no doubt spring is the tastiest season of the year.
Crappie are beginning to spawn making them accessible to many anglers. Their firm white fillets are some of the most delicious of freshwater fish. Wild turkeys will soon be susceptible to sweet talking hunters who hope to cash in on their flavorful meat. Wild asparagus have already been found growing in roadside ditches providing those who pick them with distinctly flavored greens.
But without a doubt, the most sought-after wild delicacy this time of year is the morel mushroom, particularly the yellow sponge. The golden-colored fungus shows up only for a short time, causing many to cover miles in search of these tasty treats.
They go by names like yellow, grays and blacks, which are referred to as the sponge variety. There are also snakeheads, elephant ears and puff balls, but by far the sponges are most popular, and with good reason, they are exquisite in taste.
Detailed instructions on how to find these tasty treats are very simple. There are none! Directions serve only as guidelines as there is no exact science. Talk to any dedicated mushroom hunter and you’ll quickly learn they all have their own technique and beliefs. But don’t ask them where they hunt. Some may offer their best fishing spots, but successful mushroom hunting locations are guarded with jealous secrecy.
Much like fishing and hunting, Mother Nature does not always cooperate. If it was as easy as buying them at the grocery it wouldn’t be near the fun or exciting. Finding them on your own is free, but purchasing them can be expensive as they fetch upwards of $60 per pound.
Few things compare to the thrill of poking through the woods with family and friends in search of these gourmet quality morsels. And, if you find one chances are there are others nearby.
Conditions have to be perfect for morels to grow. Moisture, temperature and other factors dictate whether they will “pop” and when. Some years they will flourish in certain areas and some years they won’t. Have you ever gone to a same fishing hole with completely different results?
The exact date when the season begins is anyone’s guess, but most say the best time is “from tax day to the middle of May.” This year could be different because of our crazy Indiana weather.
Since I am not a mycologist (mushroom scientist) I won’t even attempt to explain the scientific details of morel growth, mainly because I can’t. But here is a general rule of thumb before beginning your springtime search — wait until daytime temperatures climb into the 60s and fall no lower than the 50s at night. More specifically, a soil temperature of 53 degrees is the best time to begin your search.
Many aficionados believe the best finds occur after a rainfall. Focus your search around stream beds, wooded areas, fallen timber that is beginning to decay and always look around briars, brambles and thick underbrush. Some avid hunters tell of their best finds coming from around elm, beech and older apple trees.
But sometimes they can grow in the most peculiar places. Several years back one local hunter found a huge yellow sponge growing near the back steps of his favorite watering hole. Just the other day a friend found some growing in his back yard. So I guess in essence you never know where you could find a nice morel.
In terms of cost, hunting morels is the most inexpensive of all outdoor activities. All you need is a bag to carry your bounty. A walking stick, which can be found in any woods, is also a benefit to help move undergrowth around aiding in your search.
Besides being divine in taste, the hunt is also addictive. In addition to their gourmet flavor it’s fun to find something completely free yet so expensive in stores. They are considered as gold in the food group. It’s also fun trying to beat the odds finding something at times so elusive. It’s kind of like gambling. Everyone hopes to find the mother lode of fantastic fungi.
But beware. These succulent fungi have been known to cast a spell on unsuspecting hunters. If fortunate in finding a sack full of these natural succulent sponges, then enjoying their nut-like delicate flavor, they have turned many people into full-fledged morel maniacs.
RESERVOIR TOURNEY
The first Kokomo Reservoir Monday evening open team bass tourney of the season started with 19 teams taking part in the weekly event. Cousins Adam Blankenberger and Ethan Miller swept the event with two largemouth bass totaling 4.57 pounds. They also had the tourney’s biggest fish with a bass tipping the scales at 2.49 pounds. Chance Taskey snagged second place with two fish weighing 4.13 pounds. Third place went to Ryan Reel and Danny McQuinn with one fish topping out at 1.83 pounds.
