Chris ] wrote:

Why do people collect mushrooms early in the morning?

I don't, necessarily.

In fact, collecting them early can be a bad idea - if there has been a
heavy dew, they'll be wet, which results in them tending to go off very
quickly and/or not cook very well.

Generally though, mushrooms first emerge overnight and, as has been
mentioned, if you aren't first, you won't get any. Although, several
varieties - parasol, cep - can take several days to mature. If you're
sure nobody else is going to grab them, it is usually best to wait.
--
Larry Stoter