Foraging in Wisconsin

Mornin' to everyone wishing we would just shut up about the weather (before it snows again). This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

*Hey der neighbor. We know you're probably in full-on spring cleaning/"honey why didn't we rake up these leaves last fall like normal people" mode, but consider adding a new painting to your wall with the State Bird Art Print.

What we're foraging for this week:

• Morel mushrooms 🍄

• Spring turkey hunting 🦃

• Carp removal 🐠

Foraging in Wisconsin

Welp. We spoke too soon.

Last week we erroneously claimed that we had nothing but sunny and warm days ahead, but this week's snowstorm means one thing--It's officially spring here in Wisconsin.

And that means a few things, like:

• Wearing winter coats with shorts

• Gardening one day, shoveling snow the next

• Morel mushrooms are a-comin'

With the morel sightings map indicating that these fungi nearly to Wisconsin, it's time to refresh our foraging skills and take advantage of these tasty treats.

So here's a synopsis of our full-length article on Morel Mushroom hunting from last spring.

When to start looking

'"The old timers say that when the oak leaves are the size of a mouse’s ear then that’s the time to look for morels,” says Rick, a wildlife artist and really fun-gi (get it). “And that’s usually about right.”'

But it all comes down to the temperature and moisture, really: a week of 50 degree nights and some rain usually heralds the coming of morels.

How to eat morel mushrooms

Some describe 'em as smoky. Other's say they're meaty. And yes, folks claim they even taste like chicken. Regardless, it's fairly easy to make a morel mouthwatering:

• Cut lengthwise and rinse in cold water to remove any bugs, dirt, or debris

• Sautee in butter in a heavy pan or even try deep-frying

• Voila, they're ready to eat!

Where to find the "hickory chicken"

Stick to the woods - These conical, hollow-bodied fungus like to grow in sandy soils. They can be found under white ash trees, dead butternut or hickory trees, and their favorite - dead elm trees.

Don't tell me there's a festival for this...

Yup. The Muscoda Morel Fest is truly something to behold. Taking place May 19th-20th, the fest is a giant celebration centered around eating morels, drinking morel beer, and even buying morels for a fair price

Other foraging opportunities

Don't stop at the morels--Wisconsin's forests are like a Whole Foods, except you don't have to sell a kidney to be able to afford it.

Look for Pheasant Back Mushrooms, Japanese Knotweed, Shoots And Greens, Dandelions and lots others here.

More tips

If you're not sure where to go, the DNR and Milwaukee Magazine both wrote up good articles to point your boots in the right direction. Or, join this groovy foraging Facebook page with 15k+ 'Scons talking all things foraging (maybe you'll meet a friend).

Now get out 'der!

🖼 WI State Bird: American Robin Artwork!

When it came to our childhood art projects, mom always said: Keep your day job.

And criminy was she right. That's why we brought aboard a local 'Scon, Kayley Hackett, to design our latest piece of Wiscampsin merch - the State Bird print!

Picture this hanging above your bed, your tool shelf, your toilet... anywhere really, it's that darn pretty.

For every purchase, 20% will be donated to The Wisconsin Society for Ornithology to promote the enjoyment, study, and conservation of Wisconsin’s birds.

• 3 Options: 5" x 7", 8" x 10", and 11" x 14"

• 100lb. Matte Cardstock

• Ships in a Rigid Envelope

• Made in the USA

• Printed in Janesville, WI

• Artist: Kayley Hackett

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Folks the official Wiscampsin 2023 Top 3 Most Beloved State Parks is out and there are no surprises!

1. Peninsula State Park (32% of the votes)

2. Devil's Lake State Park (23% of the votes)

3. Copper Falls State Park (18% of the votes)

Seeing how all three revolve around water, we're thinking there's a theme here...

NEW: Wisconsin Events

Butt glued to the couch? Here are some great Wisconsin events to get you out 'der:

DNR INVITES PUBLIC TO WORK PLAY EARTH DAY EVENTS: - The public has several opportunities to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) throughout the month through acts of service and outdoor recreation at Wisconsin state parks. Be sure to check the DNR's Events Calendar for specific event details. Events will continue being added throughout April.

TREE PLANTING FOR EARTH DAY - Join Forest Staff to plant trees at the Horseriders’ Campground at Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - Eagle, WI on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

EARTH DAY HIKE - Walk through Richard Bong State Recreation Area with one of our naturalists to learn about the history of the park and the wildlife that call it home on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Know a WI Outdoors-related event happening? Reply to this email with the details and we will share the week before the event!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰

🦃 Turkey season kicks off: No, we ain't talking Thanksgiving. The Spring turkey hunt is in full swing, starting today and going till May 30th. So keep an eye out for these Turkeys strutting in the fields, and consider wearing orange if you're hiking in the woods as to not end up on someone's dinner table!

🦌 Learn to deer hunt: The DNR is not accepting applications for their Learn To Deer Hunt program at Sandhill Wildlife Area. With a mentored hunt from seasoned vets on 9,000+ acres, this seems like a trophy opportunity. Applications are due by July 1st, application fee is $40.

🐟 Oh Carp!: With record carp catchings in Wisconsin waterways, all eyes are on the carp problem here in Wisconsin. More and more carp are being caught due to 2019 flooding that allowed these little buggers to into our waters, and now wildlife officials are taking measures to get them out of the Mississippi River. If only they tasted good, we could serve 'em for Friday Night Fish Fry's...

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the Trail... a great one, that is