Rep. John George, R-Newalla, on Monday secured House passage of House Bill 3263, which would recognize the morel as the Oklahoma state mushroom.
George said each spring, tens of thousands of Oklahomans take part in the tradition of hunting morel mushrooms, a delicacy known for its unique flavor and difficulty to locate. While many like to post about their finds, they are protective of their hiding places.
“Most years, I am out there with the many Oklahomans who enjoy searching for the morel,” George said. 'Some people consider this almost as important as deer hunting in the fall, with families planning their time around this activity in the spring. Naming the morel as the state mushroom is a fun way to recognize this pursuit, but it also could help communities by promoting tourism and educating people about safe mushroom hunting and consumption.”
