Spring 2023

I'm thinking bout heading up by nemo or by custer to go hunting for morels I've got a pretty decent spot out by nemo that I go that's pretty reliable for morels, however I don't know where to even start if I go out by custer. Nemo sits about 4500 in elevation and custer sits about 5300 where would you folks recommend I should go? Should I go where I know or try somewhere new at a higher elevation? TIA

Found a dozen dry morels 4500 ft full sun. 1 tiny one in a draw that usually produces after the full sun spot. Need moisture

TheDowtMan said:

I'm thinking bout heading up by nemo or by custer to go hunting for morels I've got a pretty decent spot out by nemo that I go that's pretty reliable for morels, however I don't know where to even start if I go out by custer. Nemo sits about 4500 in elevation and custer sits about 5300 where would you folks recommend I should go? Should I go where I know or try somewhere new at a higher elevation? TIA

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There is nothing around Custer. I have tried for years so I have to drive.

I am skunked this year and just canot believe it. i have done my go to spots and some new ones and not a single one! Plenty wet and warm but nada. A bit frustrated right now. I heard they were finding them at Cuter Peak area so wondering if we just didn't have a season since that is way higher elevation...

Hello all,
I am striking out this year also. I get out several times a week usually for a couple hours. I have been up to 5000 feet, old spots, lots of new places. Most places the ground temperature is around 58-60. There is moisture now but I am wondering if it was to dry early. In my notes I have found blacks in April and May 29th, maybe I am trying to push the season??? Thanks for your post Mary!

Glad to hear I wasn't the only one struggling this year. I was finding multiple pounds in the last couple years (drought years at that!), and thus far have only been able to find 16 individuals. Did it just get too warm too quick? Right now it seemed pretty dry even up to 6,700' by Deerfield on north slopes.

I just moved to the Black Hills of Wyoming, and have wanted to hunt mushrooms. If anyone is willing to help out a rookie, I would appreciate it!

I live in Rapid City, and have enjoyed going out with those that have been able to meet up. Don't know if we could make it work, if we could I would go with you @Djfan. Mostly l know that there are old mushroom hunters and blod mushroom hunters but NO old, bold mushroom hunters. Some mushrooms I can positively identify and alot are leave-r-rights. Most trips out are evening and spur of the moment. (605) 863-2163 if you want to try and make it work.

hikethehills said:

Hello all,
I am striking out this year also. I get out several times a week usually for a couple hours. I have been up to 5000 feet, old spots, lots of new places. Most places the ground temperature is around 58-60. There is moisture now but I am wondering if it was to dry early. In my notes I have found blacks in April and May 29th, maybe I am trying to push the season??? Thanks for your post Mary!

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My first find in the hills was May 1st. I would have thought with all the moisture they would have popped. I have also tried new spots. Not sure if we will have a season or not.

Still striking out at my tried and true spots- the weather has just been weird this year- was hopeful with the two snowstorms in early April, but thinking the overnight temps screwed things up. Camped this weekend at Ditch Creek with lot's of rain and hail and wole up to 34° this morning. Typical season would have us in them for a couple more weeks, but hoping these storms will slow the ground temps a little so the overnight's can catch up

5 days ago my good spot in a draw produced nothing in the bottom but a dozen or so on the north facing slope. No patches. Just one single mushroom and a lot of walking in between. Weird year. A few were really fresh. Hoping this Rain helps

hikethehills said:

I live in Rapid City, and have enjoyed going out with those that have been able to meet up. Don't know if we could make it work, if we could I would go with you @Djfan. Mostly l know that there are old mushroom hunters and blod mushroom hunters but NO old, bold mushroom hunters. Some mushrooms I can positively identify and alot are leave-r-rights. Most trips out are evening and spur of the moment. (605) 863-2163 if you want to try and make it work.

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I had to travel and have to again next week. Let's talk Wed or Thur evening?

I'm SKUNKED for morels so far. Southern BH havent spotted even one. Nada. Did get some oysters tho but I have never been skunked on morels in 10 years here.

maryc65, don't give up! I'm still skunked too! They have to be out there somewhere. On my Monday hike ground temperatures haven't changed over the last week and a half. All my northern hills hikes have had moisture, unlike around RC. And I have found them later than this.

I still have one spot to check and we have a 70% chance of rain all damn week. Ugh.

Better to have a 70% chance than 0%! Ask me how I know. I live in NE Ohio and we went from a precip surplus to a deficit in what seemed like the blink of an eye! Not only did it screw up morel season, it's now messing with my veggie garden. I have to water it morning and evening just to keep the doggone thing alive and growing! Even the yard is starting to brown out already, and that doesn't usually happen until mid-July in a hot, dry year. Of course, I'm not shedding any tears about it. I don't have to cut it as much.