wild hop hunting
 

So, I was thinking this weekend. Of maybe going out to into the woods around where I live to do a little hunting for wild hops. Has anyone ever tried this? Any ideas on how wide spread wild hops actually are in the US? Any info at all would be helpful. Except for people saying don't waste your time or why don't you just buy them.

Kinda wondering If they are anywhere besides like the northwest. Maybe a few spots by long time german or english fields. Kinda doubt that they are widespread "free range" in Ten. But if there is a hop farm nearby maybe so with animal contamination

I know that Japanese hops are most prevalent as a wild species and they are no good for brewing.

Why are they no good for brewing? Too many contaminates? Viral infections? unreliable AAU

There was another thread on here I found a few years ago, where a guy said he found them.

Here is the thread

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/wild-hops-now-what-do-i-do-them-13102-post121774/

It says his location is Iowa city but that he was on his parents land...I'm guessing it is near him.

Also I just found this,

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HULU

Hops have been grow in most regions of the US, so there is a good chance anything you find is feral rather than wild (native is what I mean here). Fuggles & Brewers Gold were the most common older hops & we have Fuggles all over the place around here. I made a batch (Which Ditch) last year using hops from my neighbor's farm. His grandfather grew hops back in the 1920's, so I know they are feral and probably Fuggles. I won't do it again. I used a pound of fresh hops & didn't get much of anything in the brew.

Plus, most of my hops are in their third year & I expect to have plenty.

i live in cordova tn and the only hops i have ever seen around here are the ones in my backyard.

ah.....good to see another person from West side of the state at least.

yea i have noticed that their arnt many people from memphis on here.