Post by Jamesrog on May 8, 2012 11:18:16 GMT -6
Hey guys,
In my constant search for ways to enjoy the outdoors even more, I decided to try a new hobby "Wild Mushroom Picking". Just another outdoor activity to add to the list...
My family has been picking wild mushrooms in the Whiteshell for as long as any of us can remember, so at least I had an idea of what it was all about. In talking to my folks, they told me that the mushrooms they pick are not out until the middle of summer. Bummer...
So, I went online and found that the best tasting and most easily identifiable mushroom of the spring is Morel mushrooms. In asking around, I found out very quickly that mushroom hunters are a very secretive group. No one wants to share any information about where they go or even what to look for. They are almost like a secret society that doesn't like outsiders.
Ok, well to make a long story short, I did my own research and read up on what areas these mushrooms grow in, temperature range, preferred conditions, etc. I scoured maps, as I do when I go fishing new waters, and I marked locations that appeared to have all the right components.
At just my second "secret" location, I found a wonderful crop of Morels. Who knew it would be so easy? Within 45 mins I had filled an ice cream pail full. I didn't want to be greedy so I left the rest for someone else to find.
A half free morel.
A beautiful black morel.
The forest floor was literally covered in them.
I am not sure if anyone on here picks wild mushrooms or not, but I fried these up last night and they were the absolute best mushrooms I have ever eaten.
It was a beautiful evening to be out walking in the woods and with a bit of a reward at the end, it made it that much more enjoyable. Who knew picking mushrooms was so fun?
James.
In my constant search for ways to enjoy the outdoors even more, I decided to try a new hobby "Wild Mushroom Picking". Just another outdoor activity to add to the list...
My family has been picking wild mushrooms in the Whiteshell for as long as any of us can remember, so at least I had an idea of what it was all about. In talking to my folks, they told me that the mushrooms they pick are not out until the middle of summer. Bummer...
So, I went online and found that the best tasting and most easily identifiable mushroom of the spring is Morel mushrooms. In asking around, I found out very quickly that mushroom hunters are a very secretive group. No one wants to share any information about where they go or even what to look for. They are almost like a secret society that doesn't like outsiders.
Ok, well to make a long story short, I did my own research and read up on what areas these mushrooms grow in, temperature range, preferred conditions, etc. I scoured maps, as I do when I go fishing new waters, and I marked locations that appeared to have all the right components.
At just my second "secret" location, I found a wonderful crop of Morels. Who knew it would be so easy? Within 45 mins I had filled an ice cream pail full. I didn't want to be greedy so I left the rest for someone else to find.
A half free morel.
A beautiful black morel.
The forest floor was literally covered in them.
I am not sure if anyone on here picks wild mushrooms or not, but I fried these up last night and they were the absolute best mushrooms I have ever eaten.
It was a beautiful evening to be out walking in the woods and with a bit of a reward at the end, it made it that much more enjoyable. Who knew picking mushrooms was so fun?
James.