Hello all,
I'm curious if anybody has had success in finding black morels in the BW, and if so, what was the general time frame?

I know things are off to a slow start around the Twin Cities...

Thanks

I've found a few up there, but never in much profusion. Haven't spent that much time looking, though. My luck was in late May, but that was a "normal" weather year.

If you hit it right, the oysters can be crazy at about the same time in and around old stands of poplar.

I've found chanterelles in late July-early August. Yummy!
Also chicken of the woods during that timeframe. Always nice to be able to fry up a mushroom omelet or sauteed mushrooms in the backcountry.

I've found boletes as well but not so good at identifying them...found what I thought was a king bolete (porcini) that was a bitter bolete. Not poisonous, but definitely not good to eat.

In 2013 which was similar weather year, we found then the second week of June.

Thanks, I wish I liked oysters!

Bonvicken: "I've found chanterelles in late July-early August. Yummy!
Also chicken of the woods during that timeframe. Always nice to be able to fry up a mushroom omelet or sauteed mushrooms in the backcountry.


I've found boletes as well but not so good at identifying them...found what I thought was a king bolete (porcini) that was a bitter bolete. Not poisonous, but definitely not good to eat."

Labor day weekend of last year we found more chants and lobster than we knew what to do with. The chants were the size of frisbees and not at all buggy or soggy. The omelettes more more mushroom than egg--out of this world.

I've never positively ID'd a bolete yet.

adam: "In 2013 which was similar weather year, we found then the second week of June. "

That's good info, Adam, thanks. Did you find them among pines, or in deciduous woods? We're thinking of shooting for a western EP (more of a mix)

We've found them end of May into early June around Poobah and Atikoken. Deciduous woods.

Boletus are not very tricky to ID the bad vs. the good... the trick is finding them before the bugs and then figuring out a good way to cook them. I like to dry pan fry with very little to no oil/butter. Too much oil and they turn into slugs.

Hex

irishluck: "

adam: "In 2013 which was similar weather year, we found then the second week of June. "

That's good info, Adam, thanks. Did you find them among pines, or in deciduous woods? We're thinking of shooting for a western EP (more of a mix)"

It was pine and had recently burned. West side.

I found theses in early June, right next to a fire pit on Cherokee.

Found these in the BWCA about 6 years ago on a burned off island. It was pretty late in the season and some weren't any good anymore. I believe it was June 18th.

Nice to hear some other people have eyes cast aground in search for fungi. If it's timed right, the BWCA can be an embarrassment of riches for certain species. Plus, I find keeping an eye out on portages helps them go faster -- that is, unless I have to stop to inspect, gather, etc. :)

On late summer solo trips, I've brought Mushrooms Demystified with to help key out unknown species. Fun way to pass the time, especially on windblown days.

user0317: "
I found theses in early June, right next to a fire pit on Cherokee."

It does not get much easier than that. Right next to the kitchen.

mr.barley: " Found these in the BWCA about 6 years ago on a burned off island. It was pretty late in the season and some weren't any good anymore. I believe it was June 18th."

THAT, is fantastic.

carmike: "Nice to hear some other people have eyes cast aground in search for fungi. If it's timed right, the BWCA can be an embarrassment of riches for certain species. Plus, I find keeping an eye out on portages helps them go faster -- that is, unless I have to stop to inspect, gather, etc. :)


On late summer solo trips, I've brought Mushrooms Demystified with to help key out unknown species. Fun way to pass the time, especially on windblown days. "

I agree with the windy days thing. I also like to put on the rain gear and hit the woods on rainy days.