Hunting morels is a springtime tradition for many Iowans, but it helps to know where—and when—to look. Whether you’re new to the hunt or have been scouring the woods since you were a kid, these tips will up your odds of spotting the prized fungi.
I grew up with many magical woods to explore and hunt mushrooms on my farm. Now, I am lucky enough to live near public wooded areas in north Johnston that have great deer trails. Even if we don’t find mushrooms, my family loves to get cautiously lost in the woods together while we hunt.
Morel Mushrooms
Here are some tips from me and from the Iowa DNR on how to hunt successfully and safely.
Watch the Weather: When to Hunt Morels
Start hunting when daytime temps hit the 60s and nighttime temps stay above 50. Soil temps around 53°F are the sweet spot. Look for signs of spring like lilacs budding, and mayapples unfurling like umbrellas. We have had luck around the first of May. I recommend following The Iowa Morel Report on Facebook as they track morel sightings throughout the state.
Where to Look: Trees, Sunlight, and Soil
Morels have a few favorite hiding spots, and knowing where to look can make all the difference. Morels often pop up near dying or dead trees, especially elms that still have bark but few or no leaves. Old apple orchards and ash trees are also great places to search. Thanks to the spread of the emerald ash borer, many ash trees across Iowa are in decline—unfortunate for the trees, but good news for morel hunters.
Morels love warm, sunlit areas. Check the edges of wooded areas, south-facing slopes, and sandy-bottomed riverbanks—especially after a good spring rain, when conditions are just right.
How to Hunt: Go Slow and Stay Low
While trees are your clues, remember: morels grow on the ground, not on the trees themselves. Stay low and scan carefully—you’re looking for well-camouflaged mushrooms hiding among leaves and grass.
Morels are masters of disguise, blending right into the forest floor. The trick is to move slowly and keep your eyes sharp. Experts suggest a “six-to-one” rule: for every minute you walk, spend six minutes scanning the ground. Use your sharpest vision (your foveal vision!) and get low—you’re more likely to spot one when you’re close to the ground.
Your secret weapon are your kids! They’re naturally closer to the action and often have a knack for spotting mushrooms adults miss. Plus, turning it into a family adventure makes the hunt even more fun—and just a little competitive.
Stay Safe in the Woods
Because morel season overlaps with turkey hunting season, safety is key. Avoid wearing red, white, or blue—those are the colors of a tom turkey—and stick with blaze orange so you’re easily seen. For extra peace of mind, steer clear of looking in early morning and late afternoon when turkey hunters are most active, or head to public areas where hunting isn’t allowed.
Dress for the woods: long pants, sleeves, and sturdy shoes will help protect you from scratches and early spring brush. Poison ivy isn’t in full swing yet, but it’s still smart to cover up. My cautious (and lovingly nicknamed) “Mr. Safety” husband even wears safety glasses in thick brush—after a rogue branch once poked him in the eye! 
And once you’re back home, don’t forget to do a good tick check on everyone—including the dog.
Cleaning and Cooking Morels
Use mesh or paper bags to store mushrooms—never plastic as morels spoil rapidly in plastic. Always cook morels before eating them, and avoid harvesting from areas treated with chemicals.
I soak my morels in salt water to make sure any worms are removed from the deep cracks of the mushroom caps. Then, I slice them, bread them, and finally I pan fry them in butter. You can get creative with this part and play with the breading. I like to use plain flour and butter – but I’ve heard many like to use crushed saltines as their breading. If you are a recipe follower, here is a basic one.
Happy Hunting!
There’s something special about the quiet thrill of finding your first morel of the season—and the joy that comes from sharing that moment with people you love. Whether you come home with a full bag or don’t find any, morel hunting is about slowing down, soaking up spring, and enjoying Iowa’s beautiful outdoors. So lace up your boots, pack some snacks, and hit the woods. Your next mushroom memory is waiting.
