Girl finds giant morel mushroom in backyard

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thirteen year-old Vanessa Thompson, Putnamville shows off the nearly 12-inch morel she found in her backyard.

Vanessa Thompson, 13, Putnamville was searching in her backyard for lizards Saturday when she discovered a nearly 12-inch long morel.

The South Putnam seventh-grader discovered the prized mushroom, picked it and hurried off to show it to her mother, Darla Thompson.

"I was mowing the yard and saw her coming toward me holding a pop in one hand and her other hand behind her back. I thought isn't that nice she's bringing me a drink," said Darla Thompson. "When she pulled out this huge morel my jaw hit the steering wheel."

The mushroom is soaking in a large tub of saltwater.

"It wouldn't fit in a one gallon pickle jar. I had to buy a tub to put it in to soak," said Thompson.

Once it has soaked all the bugs out the family plans to fry it in butter and flour and eat it.

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  • This was a great year for us shroom hunters, and after last years short season it has been very welcome. My best this year was a fresh 13" golden that weighed 5oz. Awesome and delicious!

    -- Posted by ladyinthewoods on Wed, May 21, 2008, at 8:07 AM
  • Live out of the state now and but do miss the season for morels.

    -- Posted by Clody on Tue, May 27, 2008, at 8:04 AM
  • I recently became familiar with mushroom hunting being originally from the south where this is no hunting season for mushrooms. I have asked my new father-i-law and step-son what kind of weapon they use and how much the hunting license is but have yet received an adquate answer, so I guess I still won't hunt mushrooms again this year.

    -- Posted by Jahaya on Tue, May 27, 2008, at 10:54 PM
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