My friends farm in Illinois normally has a ton.. This year he hasn't found any.. So maybe its a bad year for them. I said it in another thread.. Strange mushroom to figure out. My Dad always cut them off leaving the root to grow back. I always cut them and NEVER find them there the next year. Some say you should use a basket to pick mushrooms so you are spreading the spores throughout the woods as you walk. But I've read where morels don't have spores.. My Dad always told us when you find one... DON'T MOVE... He has a buddy near by.. 99% of the time there is another one within eyesight. I had given up looking for the year until today... Now I have to get out another day. Like having a bad round of golf, your ready to sell the clubs and can't wait to throw them in the back of your vehicle. Then on the 18th hole you smack the cover off the ball and birdie the hole.. LOL