Permits
State forests vary. Many Midwest states restrict or license morel harvest in parks. Always get landowner permission — most ground is private.
Interactive planner
Midwest field planner
Use this on your phone in the truck. Print the ledger when you want paper in the rain.
Driftless / river hills
Elm, apple, creek bottoms · 200–400 m
UP / North Woods
Birch, hemlock, oak · 200–500 m
Ohio Valley
Oak-hickory · 150–350 m
Prairie edge farms
Puffballs, shaggy manes · 250–450 m
Dated species
| Species | First | Last | Peak | Buyer $/lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Morel | Mar 25 | May 25 | Apr 15–May 10 | 20–50 |
| Chicken of the Woods | May 20 | Sep 15 | Jun + Sep | 4–15 |
| Hen of the Woods / Maitake | Sep 1 | Oct 20 | Sep 20–Oct 10 | 8–20 |
| Giant Puffball | Aug 1 | Oct 5 | Sep | 3–10 |
| Lion's Mane | Aug 15 | Oct 20 | Sep | 12–28 |
| Oyster Mushroom | Sep 15 | Nov 15 | Oct | 3–10 |
If you sell
Farmers markets often require a certified ID or wild-mushroom expert. Cottage-food laws rarely cover wild fungi.