iam trying to get a festival started which includes a morel hunt with prizes, music (fiddle mandolin and guitar) and food, wild rice and mushroom soup!in deerwood minn. theres lots of land nearby to look (larson lake trails/forest)we have a nice facility at the legion(rain or shine) i just have to convince the other board members that people would show up! hunt all day, weigh in at 4pm, music and socializing with fellow morelers 4pm to 8pm, prizes for largest morel (by weight)! any one interested! i dont expect a huge crowd first year but am hoping it would grow over time!

Hi I am in Iowa, so a lot of times when the schroomin is slowing down here it is just starting in your ares. Where is Deerwood? When do you plan to hold this festival? I would be interested in bringing a group of people from Iowa to spend the day. Sounds like a great idea and a lot of fun. I love schroomin people and listening to their stories and strategies. Take care.

deerwood minn. is in north central minn. about 20 minutes north of millacs lake, and east of brainerd, minn.(brainerd international raceways) i dont want to but heads with fishing opener May 9th, so iam thinking maybe may 16th. theres campgrounds in nearby crosby,mn. and deerwood motel across the street from the legion. iam a member of the sons of the american legion post 557 in deerwood. we are a non profit organization, and would be sponsering the festival/hunt! thanks for your response i will post updates..!

This sounds like a road trip, With the season running late will any morels be out that far north?

timing is the tough part! weather can be iffy in minn. and like a fishing contest you cant guarentee the fish will bite! a post farther down says hes found some in le seur minn. and we are usually a couple weeks behind southern minn. our lilacs are usually in full bloom just before graduation..stay tuned iam still looking for a show of hands ..i wont advertise until the week before. if my idea is approved, i think it would be a great time.where else does the subculture of shroomers associate/mingle?

Contact the Nebraska the Good Life. This was my 1st ever Morel Hunt and I had a great time, I'm sure they can help you start up your own festival.

took a pratice hike yesterday. its still early here but i got a chance to find out how out of shape iam in..legs knees and ankles are sore this morning from walking on side hills, found some chicken of the woods on a log, bright orange and about the size of taco shells, will leave it for a while, havent tried it myself but have heard its very good! i have 40 acres of my own in aitkin county with and old hunting shack for deer hunting, i havent searched here much but one of my neighbors a few miles away said hes picked as much as 40 lbs. on a weekend. he has pasteur land and i think he also does a burn off! nothing else new yet! some dandilions came up this morning, first of the year, is that a sign?

sounds like a dream vacation to me, although this year i have plans with a family commitment, with more notice we would be very interested next year...

thanks for the responses, i would have liked to have started earlier on this project, but no one wanted to talk morels when it was 25 below zero. i talk to the other officers this weekend and find out if its a go. we have a summerfest in august, 7th and 8th this year i think, with food and crafters that brings thousands to town, our mandolin player is on you tube at (nobody famous 2008 galway girl) iam already having trouble sleeping over this (excitement) iam also looking into a guide for those that want an edge..stay tuned..good luck hunting and gathering!

sounds like fun! hope everthing works out for you....!

Have some people in Henning that might be interested if the weather holds. Sounds great from this end.

I think that this would be a great idea!! lots of fun, people who share alove for mushroom hunting. Great Idea!!