New Map Helps Michigan Morel Hunters

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created a new map to help mushroom hunters find morels.

The map highlights the state’s 2014 wildfires and prescribed burns, which provide a great place to hunt for morel mushrooms. Each of the highlighted locations are more than 10 acres in size.

“Morel mushrooms are often found in locations where large fires occurred the previous year,” explained Paul Kollmeyer, resource protection manager for the DNR Forest Resources Division. “Each spring we get calls from people who are seeking details on those sites to hunt morels. We’ve created this map to give our customers the information they are looking for in a mobile-friendly, easily accessible package.”

The DNR’s interactive Mi-Morels map provides forest covertype information, latitude and longitude coordinates, and state land boundary information.

Morel mushrooms commonly sprout in locations burned by wildfires or prescribed burns with a forested covertype; grass or sunlit open settings are less likely to produce the tasty fungi.

“While the map may provide details on the covertype that was burned, it's up to the user to investigate whether morel mushrooms are growing at any location on the map,” Kollmeyer said. “Just because a spot is marked on the map, it doesn’t mean morels will be growing at the area identified. We’re providing a resource, but it’s up to the hunters to head out to the forest and see what’s available."

Zoom in for a look at where to hunt for morels!