Minnesota § 84.111 - NATURAL WILD RICE HARVESTING

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 84.111 — NATURAL WILD RICE HARVESTING, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 84.111. NATURAL WILD RICE HARVESTING

Subdivision 1.Watercraft restrictions.

It shall be unlawful to use, in harvesting wild rice in any public waters in this state, any watercraft other than a boat, skiff, or canoe propelled by hand, which boat, skiff, or canoe may have a top width of not more than 36 inches and a length of not more than 18 feet, or any machine or mechanical device for gathering or harvesting the grain other than with flails not over 30 inches in length nor over one pound in weight, which flails must be held and operated by hand.

Subd. 2.Pole restrictions.

It is unlawful to use any pole for propelling any watercraft used in such harvesting which is not forked at the end, with each branch less than 12 inches in length.

Subd. 3.Machine restrictions.

It is unlawful to use in such harvesting any machine or device for gathering the grain other than a flail not over 30 inches in length nor over one pound in weight, held and operated by hand.

Subd. 4.Harvest hours.

It is unlawful to harvest any wild rice in any public waters between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. following except as otherwise expressly permitted in writing by an authorized committee member or other agent of the commissioner pursuant to rules of the commissioner.

Subd. 5.Fee holder provisions.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 1 to 3, any person holding fee title to all property surrounding a body of public waters may use mechanical harvesting devices to harvest wild rice in those waters. This subdivision does not apply to:

(1) any body of public waters greater than 125 acres in size;

(2) any body of public waters to which the public has access directly or through a channel or watercourse;

(3) any body of public waters within the original boundaries of any Indian reservation; or

(4) harvesting of wild rice for use or sale by any person other than the owner of the surrounding property.

History:

1949 c 506 s 3,4; 1959 c 684 s 1; 1963 c 174 s 1; 1982 c 543 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 84.111

What does Minnesota Statutes § 84.111 cover?

Section 84.111 ("NATURAL WILD RICE HARVESTING") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 84.111?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 84.111" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 84.111 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.