September has become one of my favorite months to hunt for mushrooms in Missouri.
There are more edible types of mushrooms to hunt in the fall months than in the spring
and most summer mushrooms carry over into fall as well. September by far has been
the month Iʼve logged the most types of edible mushrooms. Hedgehogs, Oysters,
Honey Mushrooms, Blewits, Shrimp Russulia, Hen of the woods, Chicken of the
woods ,Matsutake , King Bolete, Lions Mane, Chanterelle, Black Trumpet, Lobster, Puff
balls and Wood ear.
I am writing about Hen of the woods today for a couple of reasons.
Hen of the Woods, hens, are exciting to find because of their possible size and amazing
taste and medicinal benefits. Hens grow at the base of Oak Trees their size can vary
from small as a half dollar to 40 plus pounds. Depending on weather conditions
including temperature and moisture levels. I have many favorite Hen trees. Since the
hens will be on the same Trees year after year, as long as the tree is alive. I would
know where to go each year. One day a few years back, after scouting out a new place
I already had three nice 5 – 7 pound hens in my basket. When there in the distance
were two massive Oaks probably 100+ years old. I was hoping to find a hen on one of
them. To my surprise as I got close I could see two hens. As I got closer I saw the third
on the backside of one of the trees, it was a monster. It was 30 pounds bigger than my
basket. So I had to take my long sleeve undershirt off and wrap the Hen in it and sling
it over my back. The walk was a good two miles to the rig. I had close to 60 pounds of
fresh Hens to carry! I made it and was tired for sure! I visit those trees every year still.
I bring extra baskets. If the rainfall is good there will be Mushrooms!
So get out and enjoy the fall mushrooms!
The Mushroom King
