As Wild Rice Season Nears, DNR Reminds Harvesters to Ensure Rice Is Ripe
The agency says public sightings help track deer and game bird reproduction, with observations due by Sept. 30 and no registration required.
- The Wisconsin DNR is asking the public to participate in Operation Deer Watch and the Game Bird Survey, with sightings easily submitted through the Survey123 app.
- These community science initiatives aim to measure reproductive status by tracking fawn-to-doe ratios, helping the DNR better understand game species abundance and distribution.
- DNR surveys coordinator Paul Frater encourages all outdoor enthusiasts to get involved, noting participation requires no registration and observations are due Aug. 31 for deer and Sept. 30 for game birds.
- Meanwhile, the Minnesota DNR reminds harvesters that the wild rice season began Aug. 15, with wildlife lake specialist Ann Geisen emphasizing that rice stands must be ripe before harvesting.
- Rice is only ready when kernels are firm and fall easily; harvesting "green" rice is illegal and damages plants, meaning fewer grains for wildlife and future harvests.
11 Articles
11 Articles
As wild rice season nears, DNR reminds harvesters to ensure rice is ripe
As the 2026 wild rice season approaches, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds harvesters that, while Aug. 15 is the earliest possible legal harvest date, rice stands must also be ripe before they can be harvested legally.
DNR reminds public they can be 'community scientists'
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that anyone can become a community scientist by participating in Operation Deer Watch and the Game Bird Survey.
Wild rice harvest opens officially on Saturday, but most rice is still unripe - The Timberjay
REGIONAL— Minnesota’s wild rice harvesting season opens by statute on Saturday, but it’s likely to be at least a couple more weeks before the wild grain can legally be harvested. While the …
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