[dsheler]

Just under a pound, they were delicious!

[Frank]

That's a nice find Deanna! Congrats.

But I notice in the photo that several seem to have been pulled by the stems.

It always best to pinch or cut them just Above the ground, than pull them out. That way you aren't disturbing, or possibly destroying the Mycelium, which they grow from underground.

Just a helpful hint so you don't run out of hunting areas in a couple of years.

[dsheler]

It was very soggy and pouring down rain so earth came with them, sometimes it cant be helped as you know :)

[MorelMorale]

Frank really was only trying to help. A pocket knife works well in those wet situations (or any situation for that matter). Or, when you dont have a knife, the old two-hand approach is best IMO (hold base with one hand, and pinch stem with other hand above base-so there isnt a chance of impacting/destroying the mycelium). Sorry... Not trying to nag. Some people really dont know that you arent supposed to pull the mushroom. You have to sacrifice some of the stem- but small price to pay in the long-term for having morels in that spot.

[glennfreeman]

The 'pulling' issue is actually up for debate. A few recent studies suggest the morel mycelium is deep underneath the ground and that 'pulling' morels has no effect on that deep-rooted mycelium for future years. However 'pulling' might stop multiple fruitings in the same year, so there is a good reason to cut when possible. Then again, many old timers also have a hard time believing an extremely warm winter, perhaps due to climate change, will cause an end to the morel season 3 weeks earlier than normal ... even while they observe big yellow morels being found in mid-April in Southern Michigan.

[hunterdave]

guys, I always use a box cutter snap off knife. There cheap,razor sharp,and fit right in the front pocket. Also make quick work of the smaller augusticeps,and the larger crassipes. Very easy way,and works very well,try one.

Like always,here to help. Happy hunting !!

[MorelMorale]

David- I do LOVE my pocket-knife- more for sentimenal reasons than anything else. I really like the box-cutter idea though. That seems like it would work extremely well. I'll give it a shot. Glenn- as for the pulling issue. Interesting topic. I'm not saying the new theory is wrong, but I think I'll stick to cutting or pinching in my spots. Sometimes its best to heed the wisdom and experience of the seasoned morel hunters, despite what some lab-coat says . Heck- even if there was a minute chance of messing up my morel spots by pulling, I wouldnt do it.

[piperchar]

I go to the dollar store and buy those plastic slinky wrist bands. I take my small Swiss Army knife, and put it on the wring which is attached to the band. I slip it on my wrist, and my knife if always handy. I don't have to fumble around in pockets, or fanny packs to get my knife whenever I see a mushroom. I ALWAYS hold the mushroom with one hand, and cut with one. If for no other reason than the mushrooms stay clean.

[dsheler]

Im a terrible clutz lol if I had a knife I would lose it most likely too box cutters seem to hate my hands...got a couple scars from my past job as a grocery supervisor, I will stick to getting my hands dirty and pinching them off, thanks for the advice though, always appreciated!