Mushroom Hunting: Free As It Ought to Be

By Andrew Peerless in News on Apr 5, 2005 1:34PM

Chicagoist really digs mushrooms, but had no idea that - each year, in spring and early summer - part of our very own state becomes a hotbed of activity for those that enjoy seeking them out in their natural forested environment. This is the fabled time of year when prized morel mushrooms begin their journey into full fungal beauty, and it turns out there's no better place to find them than Central Illinois.

All was not well in mushroom-land this week, however: Illinois' mushroom-loving community was up in arms over reports that they would be required to purchase a $16.75 hunting license, akin to a hunting or fishing license, to partake in their favorite hobby this year. Luckily, the entire thing turned out to be nothing but an elaborate mushroom hoax, the result of a doctored press release from the state's Department of Natural Resources. Whew!

Interestingly enough, it turns out the state had actually considered introducing a mushroom-hunter's license a few years back, in exchange for entrance into state parks and recreation areas, but had changed their minds at the last minute. It's a big, convoluted, mushroom-hunting world out there...

Interested in adding some zest to your pasta with self-harvested mushrooms? Head to Magnolia, Illinois' annual Illinois State Morel Mushroom Hunting Championship and Spongy Fungi Festival, which includes open discussion of mushroom hunting techniques, delectable mushroom-based cuisine and, of course, mushroom hunting galore!