@mattolsen: not an authority but as wooded acreage owner and eater of morels... eager to find my own I've read nearly every post/article about the beast and searched spots I know they've been found in past years- (none found)- they can be just about anywhere. I've been told to check obvious spots first: dead elms, southern exposure, etc... they can be anywhere the spores land and flourish... I'm in SC WI, but family in IL (southern Cook) have found a few in a back yard. Also have family in IN found them next to a garage. This is my first yr looking in my 5 acre woods and have found 0. As others encourage me, patience, persistence.... Good luck to you!