[shelkicker]

Went out today with my wife and so far zero mushrooms. We walked about 4 miles up and down souther slopes and in creek beds. Did have some rain the last few days, if the temps heat up and we get some more rain, I hope to see some next week. Did not take soil temp.

 

[vibrantenergies]

I'm on the Texas/Phelps County line. Got out yesterday and the woods are still sleeping. There are no mayapple shoots yet and the blackberries haven't sprouted, not to mention still no Redbud blooms, It sounds like the next several days and nights will be the warmest yet this year, so it's going to be any day now that Spring will have truly sprung. I'll be eating morels in about two weeks. A few weeks ago, I predicted the first finds to be around April 10, but I think it might be a few days later than that now. You're really close to me, so if you find any, I know I'd better look! Keep us posted!

 

[shelkicker]

Thanks for the info! We are on the north Texas line (mark twain area). My wife and I thought it would be too early yet (and thank you again for confirming), it was a great excuse for us to get out looking and exercise . I will definitely keep you posted on what/when we see sprouts. The walk earned us an in-tact 8 point skull, my guess was that it either died of black tongue, hunting season or coyote/bobcat attack. Perfectly white and very little gnaw marks from the critters. All the flesh and fur gone and looked like someone had already boiled it out. I will now ponder decor ideas for it. Thanks again for the info!

 

[vibrantenergies]

Kicker, it sounds like we're neighbors! I live off of K hwy just a bit before you get to gov't land (Mark Twain). We should hook up when the season begins and maybe we could learn a little from each other! These warm days and nights are just what we need, but it still looks like the cold isn't over - back to the low 30's this weekend? It will be soon either way though, I'll be checking every day from here on out!

 

[shelkicker]

Yes it does! Were on the other side of the river around Slabtown, were probably only 5-7 miles apart as the crow flies. I am always looking to learn from folks (I am not a pro) nor have I found a honey spot yet, but I keep looking. I will keep you up on updates when I start seeing them!

 

[garden]

Hi Shell and Vibrant,
I am 2 counties east of you in Wayne Co. Missouri. I am going out today to check see how the woods are looking. Will be back on the board tonight and give you any reports I find. We should hit around the same time as you all over in Texas Co. our environment is pretty similar. I have high rolling hills with rocky creek bottom land and also farm bottom land where we put our game plots to look in. Good luck guys....

 

[vibrantenergies]

Slabtown is great! I love the nettle patches down the trail in back of the picnic area at the river access! It's a sea of green! Garden - Wayne county is great - I've spent a lot of time in Shannon county and I love that area!

 

[shelkicker]

Garden, Thanks offering to keep us in the loop!!! I will do the same if I see something!

Vibrantenergies, I took have spent much time in shannon county! Hauling canoes for the most part! I have some family in that area so that is primarily where I used to get Morels with my Grandpa. Souther Dent upper Shannon line.

I dont know that I have been down that trail in the back of the picnic area but will definitly check it out this year since its right down from the house!

 

[shelkicker]

I have been down there, thats the mouth of patty creek. Very nice and yes I knwo what your talking about. Took me a second. Thats where the big bluff is and the creek meets the river.

 

[garden]

Hey Guys,
I was out and put some miles down today. It is still like winter woods. Nothing coming up on the hills, rocky bottoms or around our game plots in the fields. Tons of leaf litter and it is nice nd moist under it. There are some trees just budding and a little grass coming up in the south facing and sunny places. A whole lot of wild garlic/onion-not ramps. It was incredibly beautiful and nice to be outside though. I did find a really great 8 point shed with only a small chip which when my dad seen it, he promptly wanted lol. I have to teach class's tomm. but will be back at it Wed. if I can down in the swamps in Stoddard. I am off for a week next week. I hope they start somewhere. I agree with it probably being more than a week before anything even gets going, but who knows with the amazing little creatures, the elusive morel. Kindest regards...

 

[shelkicker]

Thanks for that info, that sounds a lot like our trip. Found deer head, enjoyed the weather, still looks like winter in the woods! I think we will try it again on Thursday. It will still probably be too early but it will be nice to get back outside and enjoy the weather. Will post an update Thursday!! Good luck!

 

[vibrantenergies]

Garden - thanks for the good update - we're getting close!!

Shellkicker - I teach a class in the Fall at the Shannondale craft camp and always have a blast while down in those hills. I think it's the prettiest place in the world! There are a lot of shrooms in that area too. You should have seen the piles of chanterelles I got around there last year!

 

[shelkicker]

Vibrantenergies, I know what you mean. I have relatives right down the road in pilgrams rest. Is Jeff still at Shannondale? Havent seen him in years but would see him on the gravel bar at pulltite when we were hauling canoes. Been to a few weddings at Shannondale. Small world!

 

[vibrantenergies]

Jeff is there. I expect to see him again this summer Small world for sure. That is the spot at Slabtown I was talking about, BTW.

 

[riddick54]

plz post first finds in Texas county,long drive for me to come down for nothin.No beefsteaks? Should be up now?

 

[garden]

Vibrant and Shell, if you have time check out this video on youtube. It is called morel mushroom hunter; a son shares his fathers passion. These old guys share some great stories and some wisdom, like what the tops of elm trees look like. May we all live to hunt so long and have such great finds as these gentlemen did. Anyway it is something cool to even watch with the family while we wait for them to pop.
The weather is looking scary but seriously nice for you guys and me to get a pop out next week. Boorah! Lots of rain and warm weather.
I did see one dead black snake on the Co road today and my Grandpa always said after the first spring storm with loud thunder and lightning it wakes them all up real good. I don't care lol. Bring the snakes if the shrooms come with them..
Take care

 

[shelkicker]

Garden, Good stuff! Its really awesome to be able to spot the type of tree with no leaves. It can be a challenge just looking at bark. I know you can definitely make a determination based on limb pattern, the way the roots look and the bark. I will add this to my memory as I go out searching. If someone else is driving or I am walking, I always try to determine the various types of trees, I struggle because some are hard to tell apart with no leaves.

Black snakes are good to have around, my wife make me haul the ones we see off. I tried to tell her they take care of mice, rats etc, but she wont have it. LOL

 

[toolman1]

i have been down here in tx 4 35years n wondering were a man can find rooms morel type, place n what kind off trees do they grow around...thanks, joe myers from lamarque,tx 77568 close to the gulf

 

[shelkicker]

Toolman, The elusive Morel only grows in certain areas with all the right conditions (I MEAN EVERYTHING HAS TO BE RIGHT). This is the reason why they are so sought after. To my knowledge you cannot replicate it in a greenhouse or non wild conditions. There might be some in the eastern part of texas, not sure about the dry parts. You will find them around dying or deal Elms Ash and even other hardwoods like Oaks. I am not a pro at finding them but the timing has to be right and you have to be consistent when the conditions are right. Good place is in creek or river bottoms, along fence rows down at my uncles farm is where we used to find a lot of them. I hope this helps.

 

[shelkicker]

Update: I stopped and talked to a neighbor on the way home in the creek bed to ask if he needed help. He said he was mushroom hunting. I then asked if he had any luck and he said not yet.