Oklahoma Bill Could Allow Mushroom Foraging on Public Land
Exciting news for Oklahoma’s foraging community! Senate Bill 447 (SB 447), introduced by Senator Mary Boren, has been updated to include fungi alongside nuts and edible plants. This is a significant step forward in recognizing the importance of wild mushrooms in Oklahoma’s ecosystem and food culture. However, the bill has not yet passed, and we need your support to ensure it becomes law!
Why Is This Bill Important?
Foraging for wild mushrooms has long been a cherished tradition in Oklahoma, but current regulations make it difficult for residents to legally collect fungi for personal use on state-owned or state-managed lands. Previously, Oklahomans risked fines or had to obtain special research permits just to collect mushrooms for purposes such as DNA sequencing. If SB 447 passes, it will be the first time in state history that Oklahomans can legally collect edible nuts, plants, and fungi on public lands without unnecessary restrictions.
A Big Win for Hunters and Foragers
Before this bill, Oklahomans could not legally collect edible nuts, plants, or fungi on state-owned or state-managed lands—even if they had a valid hunting permit. This meant that hunters, who already have access to these lands, were unable to harvest natural food sources like mushrooms or wild nuts while in the field. With SB 447, our hunting community will finally be able to hunt and forage at the same time, making the most of their time outdoors and strengthening their connection to Oklahoma’s natural resources.
Personal Use Only – No Commercial Foraging
It is important to note that this bill will only allow foraging for personal use. This means that any nuts, edible plants, or mushrooms you collect cannot be sold. Everything you forage must be for you and your family. Following this rule is crucial for maintaining ethical foraging practices and protecting Oklahoma’s natural resources.
Responsible Foraging Practices
While this bill expands the rights of foragers, it is equally important to forage responsibly. Overharvesting can negatively impact plant and fungi populations, reducing their availability for future generations. To ensure sustainability, always follow these ethical foraging guidelines:
Take only what you need – Avoid collecting more than you and your family can reasonably consume.
Be mindful – Avoid unnecessarily damaging soil, plants, animals or fungi while foraging.
What Happens Next?
SB 447 is scheduled for a hearing in the Agriculture and Wildlife Committee Meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Senate Room 230 at the Oklahoma State Capitol Building. This meeting is a critical step in the legislative process. If the bill is approved by the committee, it will move forward in the Oklahoma Legislature, bringing us one step closer to legalizing the foraging of wild nuts, plants, and fungi on public lands.
If you can’t attend the Senate meeting in person, you can still watch it live at the following link: Oklahoma Senate Room 230 Livestream.
Your Support Makes a Difference
This progress wouldn’t have been possible without the voices of foragers, nature enthusiasts, and advocates who reached out to their representatives. We extend a huge Thank You to everyone who has taken the time to email, call, and express support for this bill.
Personally, I took the time to write to every member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate, sending individual emails explaining the importance of including fungi in the bill. I also made phone calls and left voicemails to ensure our concerns were heard. Throughout this process, I remained polite, patient, and persistent—three key qualities that helped make this change happen. While I’m sure some legislators were tired of seeing my name in their inbox, I am deeply grateful that they took the time to listen and update the bill accordingly.
Sample Message to Send to Your Representative
If you’d like to contact your local representative but don’t know what to say, here’s a sample message you can use:
Subject: Support for SB 447 – Foraging on Public Land
Dear [Representative/Senator’s Name],
I am writing to express my support for SB 447, the proposed foraging bill that allows residents to harvest edible nuts, plants, and fungi on state-owned or state-managed land. Oklahoma is home to an incredible diversity of wild foods that provide nourishment, medicinal benefits, and ecological advantages. Foraging is a sustainable practice that has been part of our traditions for generations and does not harm the environment when done responsibly.
Currently, Oklahomans are limited to foraging mushrooms only on private land, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, or the Ouachita National Forest, where collection is regulated. Even with a hunting permit issued by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, foragers are still not allowed to collect mushrooms on ODWC-managed lands. Passing SB 447 would ensure that Oklahomans have legal access to these natural resources while promoting conservation and consumer safety. I urge you to support this bill and help protect the rights of foragers in Oklahoma. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Morel Mushroom Season Is Here—Perfect Timing!
With morel mushroom season just around the corner, this bill couldn’t come at a better time. Morels are one of the most highly sought-after wild mushrooms, prized for their unique flavor and texture. Typically, morels start appearing in Oklahoma from mid-March to mid-April, thriving in moist, wooded areas near old trees, creek beds, and recently disturbed land.
Foraging for morels is not only a rewarding experience but also a great way to connect with nature and enjoy Oklahoma’s rich biodiversity. If you want to learn more about identifying and harvesting morel mushrooms safely, check out my Free Morel Mushroom Foraging Guide or watch my video with Oklahoma Gardening:
What You Can Do to Help
The fight isn’t over yet! Here’s how you can help ensure this bill passes:
Attend the Senate Meeting on March 3, 2025 – Show up in person at the Oklahoma State Capitol to demonstrate support.
Watch the Livestream – Stay informed by tuning in online at Oklahoma Senate Room 230 Livestream.
Contact Your Representatives – Reach out to your local senators and representatives to express your support for SB 447. A short, polite email or phone call can make a huge difference. You can also use “Find My Legislator” to find out who your local representatives are if you don’t already know.
Spread the Word – Share this blog post with friends, family, and fellow foragers. The more people who advocate for this bill, the better our chances of success.
A Step Forward for Foragers
The inclusion of fungi in SB 447 is a major victory for Oklahoma’s mushroom community, but we still need to push for the bill’s passage. If successful, this will mark a historic change in state law, allowing Oklahomans to enjoy the benefits of foraging without unnecessary legal barriers. Thank you for your continued support and advocacy—your voice truly matters. Let’s make history together!
