Hats off to the Cascade Mycological Society of Eugene and their recent program featuring Trent Blizzard of www.modern-forager.com.
I watched it on YouTube the other day and was tremendously impressed with the scientific and methodical approach that the charismatic Trent and his wife, Kirsten, have to gathering burn morels, which they define generally as morels that only grow in conifer forests, only in the Western US and only after a fire.
During the course of the 1.5 hour presentation, Trent guided us viewers through different parameters such as directions, elevations, and temperatures that he and his wife have found to be important factors in gathering burn morels. He noted that much of the research and preparation can be done from the convenience of an arm chair, sparing the mushroomer many hours of wandering and hoping in the woodlands.
Although I have never purchased their maps and e-book which are priced at $39 for 2021, it incurs to me that the price is extremely reasonable. The website also includes the opportunity to acquire various items of clothing and gear along with their author signed cookbook, Wild Mushrooms, A Cookbook and Foraging Guide, for $19.99.
Personally, I probably will not invest in these resources for my mission is never to fill my mushroom basket. What I am truly seeking is the solitude and enchantment of the forestland experience. If I see a new-to-me mushroom or an unusual display, then it is an A+ day in my mushroom diary, morel or no morel.
Whatever your goals, enjoy the experience and the hunt!