Hunting Morels in East-Central Missouri

East-central Missouri is a great region for morel mushroom hunting, especially during the spring (typically late March through early May depending on weather). There are many ideal habitats for morels in East-Central and St. Louis region of Missouri. Here’s where and what to look for:

1. Deciduous Woodlands

• South-facing slopes warm up faster and are great early-season spots.
• North-facing slopes are good later in the season as they stay cooler longer.
• Forests with mature trees like:
  • Elm (especially dying or dead)
  • Ash
  • Sycamore
  • Cottonwood
  • Poplar
  • Maple
  • Old apple orchards
  • Tulip poplars and hickories (less common but possible)

2. Near River Bottoms and Streams

• Look along Missouri River tributaries.
• Moist but well-drained soil near water is a prime area, especially after a good rain followed by warm temps.

3. Disturbed Grounds

Morels can pop up abundantly 1–2 years after a forest fire or logging event.

• Burn sites (last year’s wildfires or prescribed burns)
• Areas with recent tree death (e.g., Dutch Elm disease)
• Logged areas or along edges of paths and old logging roads
• Check conservation areas or national/state forests with recent burns.

4. Moist, Loamy Soil

• Bottomland forests, creek beds, and river bottoms
• North or east-facing slopes that stay moist longer
• Leaf-littered ground with plenty of organic matter

Top Public Areas to Search in East-Central Missouri

These public lands are known for morel hunting potential:

1. Mark Twain National Forest (Potosi/Fredericktown area)

• Large tracts of forest with diverse tree cover and low-traffic areas
• Look near streams and in older forest growth

2. Cuivre River State Park (near Troy, MO)

• Mixed hardwood forests, hills, and valleys perfect for morels

3. Mastodon State Historic Site (Imperial, MO)

• Rich soil, river bottoms, and hiking trails with potential morel zones

4. Meramec State Park (near Sullivan, MO)

• Excellent terrain and diverse trees—check floodplains and along the Meramec River

5. Big River and Bourbeuse River Valleys

• Along these rivers you’ll find fertile bottomland with elm, sycamore, and ash trees

Best Time to Hunt Morels

Early Season (soil temps around 50°F): Small black morels appear first.
Mid-Season (55–60°F): Yellow and gray morels start showing up.
Late Season (60–65°F): Larger yellow morels finish the season.

Track soil temps or use the “lilac bloom” or “redbud bloom” as a natural indicator—when these bloom, morels are usually popping.

Tips for Hunting

Walk slowly and scan the ground closely.

• Carry a mesh bag to spread spores as you walk.
• Mark successful spots—you can often return year after year.
• Get out after a warm rain followed by sunny days.
• Remember to always verify that the areas you plan to forage are open to the public and that mushroom collecting is permitted. Happy hunting!