Harvesting Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms in Saskatchewan

Morel mushrooms are a prized delicacy found in Saskatchewan's boreal forests, and they can be particularly abundant in burned areas the year after a wildfire. If you're planning to head north to pick mushrooms, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

In Saskatchewan, morels usually appear for six or seven weeks, from about mid-May to mid-July. One-year-old burns are likely places to find morels, although they do grow on other sites. See recent wildfire maps for more information.

Harvesting morel mushrooms

Caution – some wild mushrooms are poisonous and can even be lethal! Don't eat any mushroom unless you are absolutely sure of what it is and that it is an edible variety.

You don't need a permit to harvest mushrooms in the provincial forest but you can't harvest in provincial or national parks. For private, leased or reserve land, you must get permission.

If you're a commercial mushroom buyer and you want to establish a temporary work camp in the forest, you need a permit. These are available from the local Ministry of Environment office.

Help keep our forest ecosystems healthy for everyone

When visiting:

• Don't leave garbage in the forest. Clean up and dispose of your garbage properly at an approved site.
• Don't use rakes or similar tools to harvest or locate morels. Instead, snap or cut the mushrooms at the base of the stem so you don't disturb the delicate root system.
• In the forest, stick to trails whenever possible. Driving ATVs or other vehicles, especially where the ground is covered with mosses and lichens, can damage the ecosystem and reduce future mushroom populations.
• Be careful with fire. Spring burning conditions can be deceptive, and you are responsible for any fire you start.
• To report a wildfire, call 1-800-667-9660 or 911.