Morel Mushroom Hunters Visit Jasper Co.

Last week I learned more than I could ever have hoped about mushrooms, but in a fun, and interesting way incorporating locals with celebrities, and it was all on a whim.

Last week, Monticello Farm and Garden owner, Tim Zech sent in a write up about morel mushrooms and informed us here at The News that they were growing right here in Jasper County. These small mushrooms are found in the woods and are edible.

I read his article and learned that these small mushrooms only “show up” for about two-three weeks in the spring, and are found near rivers.

Little did I know, there would be an entire group of these mushroom hunters just off of Roper Road here in the county that very week.

When I say mushroom hunters, I immediately think of auction hunters or hog hunting as my Stepdaddy loves to do.

This, I must say was an experience. I got a phone call from Margaret Lawson, the owner of ByWay Farms with her husband, Joe, and told me he had a group of these morel mushroom hunters on their farm and they would be up to eat around lunchtime if I cared to come out and interview them.

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Alright, I have to admit—I was a bit skeptical but vowed to Mrs. Lawson to go out around then.

Mr. Lawson called and told me that the hunters would be up just about 1 p.m. and I could come then, so I went.

Upon arrival I walked up to about 30 people all having lunch in their hats and boots, some of which informed me of the successful hunt that they had just been on that morning.

I ventured into Mr. Lawson’s outdoor kitchen and met Chris Matherly, of the Morel Mushroom Hunting Club, and an expert and guide to mushroom hunting.

He was standing over a hot cast iron skillet and frying those little morels up fresh.

I have to admit again that the smell was delightful and I love mushrooms.

He introduced himself and told me that he was cooking some of the mushrooms fresh, lightly battered and that this was a small show of mushroom prepared dishes, but they had to have a quick lunch and return to hunting.

He offered me one of the mushrooms right out of the pan, and I tried it. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Tender, salty, almost meaty and fresh-right out of the Lawsons’ back yard.

I found out that Mr. Matherly has been featured on national television on the Cash and Treasures aired on the Travel Channel, History’s Modern Marvels, and more.

Chris told me that they do guided mushroom hunts, or “forays” during this season and document all that they find.

They had a wicker basket filled with the small delicacies and said that it was a good hunt, all in all.

As I mingled around with the hunters I found that they were “normal” people. There were young, old, men and women, couples and solo hunters.

What I learned was that there were people hunting here in our small county from Florida, Kansas, Indiana, and Nevada, and they were all here to hunt these small mushrooms.

Mr. Lawson told me that they had been coming for a few years to the farm, and they always brought a film crew.

Chris told me that he does a big spread (five courses) of food—all mushroom based of course at High Falls state park where he makes a mushroom alfredo, shish-kabobs, and even a mushroom dessert, all in the outdoors on an open grill.

He also told me that he has led thousands of people on these hunts and will soon travel from Georgia to Tennessee, Missouri, West Virginia, Indiana, and more.

Chris told me that “forays are the best possible way to build personal knowledge and have a hands-on experience in the woods.”

“And even if you are quite knowledgeable yourself, meet new friends and enjoy some of the best tasting mushroom dishes created by myself that one can imagine.”

After everyone finished lunch, Mr. Lawson took us all to see his newborn sheep, Chris gathered everyone for a group photo (top) and they were off for their afternoon hunt.

If you want more information on Chris or morel mushroom hunting you can visit www.morelmushroomhunting.com.

According to Mr. Zech, “these little known mushrooms will only show up for about two to three weeks each spring and I have often found morel mushrooms while chasing turkeys in the spring turkey season.”

“These are found mainly in river bottoms and privet thickets, these fungi are actually one of the many edible delicacies found in the wild. They will pop up quite literally overnight, and be gone just about as fast.”

Tim also added this caution to readers, “don’t get too wild, there are plenty of mushrooms you should not eat, including some that could be fatal. Morel mushrooms are distinctive by their hollow stem and unique ripples. There are two kinds of Morels that are usually found in Georgia, the smaller gray variety, and the much larger (up to 1 ft tall) yellows. A great place to read up on them and see more pictures is www.morelmushroomhunting.net.”

Tim also said that the wealthy in this country appreciate morel mushrooms as they are served in some of the finest restaurants.

He said that a certain farmers market in Atlanta sells these mushrooms for $45 per pound.

Commoners (like himself) find mushrooms quite tasty when battered and quickly pan fried in butter.

He encourages local hunters to bring their findings into the Farm and Garden and he will identify them and help take them off of your hands. Pictured above is Tim’s brother, Cary Zech with Morel mushrooms he found in Cherokee County last year.

Now, if you made it through all of that, you know more about mushrooms than most of you loyal readers thought possible. But it sure was interesting to learn something, huh?