Minnesota’s wild rice harvest season opens August 15th, but the DNR says harvesters must wait until the rice is ripe. Officials say unripe, or “green,” rice is illegal to harvest and damaging the plants can reduce food for wildlife and next year’s crop.

Signs of ripe rice include brown stems, firm kernels, and grains that fall easily when the plant is gently shaken.

The DNR says early reports show fair to great conditions across central and northern Minnesota, but drought has lowered water levels on some rice waters. More information is available at mndnr.gov.