First annual ON morel mushroom contest

Is it the thrill of the hunt, or the taste of the magnificent morel that drives Owen Countians wild? Whether foraging in the woods or frying up a batch of flavorful fungi is your favorite part of the annual spring tradition, The Owen News is pleased to announce our first-ever Morel Mushroom Contest!

In addition to “Sweet Owen” bragging rights, the mushroom hunter who finds the largest morel (length + width) will receive $50, while second place will be awarded $25, and third place $10.

The contest is open to Owen County residents only and will officially close at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Entries cost $5 each and are not limited, so keep hunting as the season progresses. Entry fees may be paid online, by check or money order or by cash at the time of entry. All proceeds will support The Owen News. The winners will be announced in our June 2025 issue.

The contest is limited to yellow or gray morel (sponge) mushroom varieties. All entries must have been found in Owen County.

All entries must be measured at our office, 114 S. Main St., Spencer, either by appointment by calling 812-510-4662 or emailing info@theowennews.org. Office hours specifically for the mushroom contest are:

• March 20, noon to 5 p.m.
• March 25, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
• March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• April 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• April 3, 2 to 5 p.m.
• April 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• April 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• April 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• April 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• April 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• May 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• May 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• May 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• May 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• May 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year’s contest is sponsored by A Fungus Among Us, LLC.

As a reminder, morel mushrooms typically start to emerge when the soil temperature reaches around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer air temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day and no lower than 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

For the best longevity and to prevent mushrooms from going bad, mushrooms should be stored in a brown paper bag or lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Storing them in plastic traps moisture, leading to a slimy texture and creates the potential for mold growth.

The best way to harvest morel mushrooms is to cut them at the base with scissors or a knife, or pinch them off at the base with your fingers. Cutting or pinching ensures that the mushroom is removed without damaging the mycelium, which is the underground network that helps the mushrooms grow.  

Using a mesh bag is also recommended because it allows the spores to fall back to the ground as you continue your hunt, potentially helping to maintain or increase the morel population.

Morels are found in various habitats, often near dead or dying trees such as elms, poplars and ash trees, as well as in old apple orchards. Morel mushrooms are considered to be mycorrhizal, meaning they form a mutualistic relationship with the roots of trees. This relationship benefits both the fungus and the tree, with the fungus receiving carbohydrates from the plant and the plant gaining access to more water and nutrients from the soil due to the increased surface area provided by the mycelium of the fungus. This dual nature of morels—being both mycorrhizal and saprotrophic—explains why they can be found in a variety of environments, including around dead or dying trees.

Good luck and happy hunting!