Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation
Chapter NR 19 - Miscellaneous Fur, Fish, Game And Outdoor Recreation
Subchapter I - Miscellaneous
Section NR 19.09 - Wild rice conservation

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 19.09

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF WILD RICE.

(a) No person may remove or destroy by hand, mechanical or chemical means wild rice growing in navigable lakes unless the department has approved the removal or destruction under par. (b).

(b) In addition to harvest in accordance with s. 29.607, Stats., and subs. (2) to (8), the department may authorize by written approval the removal of wild rice growing in navigable lakes upon a finding that:
1. The wild rice resource in the navigable lake will not be substantially affected. The department may consider cumulative effects of an approval on such a lake under this paragraph; and

2. The removal or destruction is necessary to allow reasonable access to the lake by the riparian owner.

(c) Persons requesting an approval under this subsection, shall apply on department forms and provide information requested by the department.

Note: The forms may be obtained from department regional offices.

(2) A closed season is established for the harvesting or gathering of wild rice in the following described areas at all times except as hereinafter provided and it is unlawful for any person to harvest or gather wild rice in any manner or at any time during such closed season.

(3) The secretary is authorized and directed, after determining by investigation and study that the wild rice is ripe, to designate the open season for harvesting or gathering wild rice in each of the areas described in sub. (4). The open season in any area may continue in effect for not more than 60 days. The open season in any area as designated by the secretary pursuant to this subsection shall be put into effect by posting of proper notice of the open season on the shores of, and at places of public access to, the lakes and streams in which the open season is effective at least 24 hours before the beginning of the open season.

(4) There is no closed season for the harvesting of wild rice in any other area of the state of Wisconsin not herein described:

(aa) Barron county. Bear lake.

(b) Bayfield county. Totogatic lake and Chippewa lake.

(c) Burnett county. Clam lake, Briggs lake, Gaslyn lake, Long lake, and Mud lake, town of Oakland.

(d) Douglas county. Mulligan lake and the state and county owned beds of the Minong Flowage.

(e) Forest county. Wabikon lake.

(g) Oneida county. Big lake and Big lake thoroughfare, and Spur lake.

(i) Sawyer county. Pacwawong lake.

(j) Vilas county. Allequash lake, Little Rice lake, Nixon lake, Irving lake, Aurora lake, West Plum lake, and Island lake.

(k) Washburn county. Bear lake, Spring lake, and Tranus lake.

(5) No person may harvest or gather any wild rice in any area of the state of Wisconsin between sunset and the following 10:00 a.m. central daylight time.

(6) No person may harvest or gather any wild rice in any navigable lake by the use of any method other than smooth, rounded, wooden rods or sticks not more than 38 inches in length and which are held and operated by hand.

Note: Section 29.607, Stats., prohibits the use of any mechanical device in any water of the state for harvesting or gathering wild rice.

(7) No person may harvest or gather any wild rice in any navigable lake by the use of any boat longer than 17 feet or greater than 38 inches in width or by the use of any boat propelled by other than muscular power using only a push-pole or canoe paddle.

(8)

(a) All licensed wild rice dealers shall file reports on forms furnished by the department covering the license period with the Department of Natural Resources, Box 7924, Madison, 53707, prior to obtaining a wild rice dealer's license.

(b) Such reports shall summarize the book records required and shall include the total number of transactions and the total amount of wild rice bought, sold or processed during the period covered by such license.

(9) Nothing in the provisions of this section shall prohibit authorized agents of the department from harvesting or gathering wild rice in the performance of their official duties.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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