Preserving morels for best taste

[Musher]

I was wondering the different ways to preserve morels besides the classic air drying method, Which does work and can last for years this way.
But looking about on the internet and hearing different friends methods some talk about freeze drying.
Well like alot of fellow morelers, I think we are having a very bountiful year! My husband and I have bagged a little over 4 gallons of mostly blacks! And we had several that where "Sluggers" (Which we call the half eaten slug trailers which leave a bit of slime behind)
Well the perfect bug free ones I'm drying, but the ones not too sure on I have them soaking in cold water.
My question is can I still dry or freeze dry these morels after being soaked in water and still retain the flavor? or is it best just leave them in water until consumed?
I would love to hear what others do in this case because it is hard to leave a good morel behind even though its half eaten:)

[luckyshroomer]

I pre-cook (fry in butter)1 min. on each side, pat dry w/ paper towels; then put into Food Saver vacuum bags. When i want some, I put into microwave on quick thaw, re-fry in butter and they are like you just picked 'm (nor tough and rubbery) and i don't care about half eaten ones and I never put them in water.
luckyshroomer....brian