The morel mushroom hunting season is taking shape across Iowa, but recent floods may cause health concerns for the delicacy.

According to ISU Extension and Outreach, flood-damaged farm land, public parks, and recreational areas have also increased pressures on drainage systems which can affect mushrooms. No matter the conditions, they recommend hunters avoid areas where animals have perished, avoid harvesting specimens near places where fecal droppings are present, and to avoid sites where potential chemical contaminants were washed off.

Guthrie County Conservation Director Joe Hanner warns those hunting morels to be wary of another popular sport, “You know it’s the end of April here and it’s prime time to hunt morel mushrooms, but it’s also spring turkey hunting season. And there’s turkey hunters out in the woods and the timbers and stuff like that and they’re dressed in full camouflage, so you want to be safe when you’re out mushroom hunting, keep that in mind.”

Hanner also advises hunters to use a repellent with DEET for wood ticks, and to keep your eyes out for poison ivy when searching in forested areas.