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Conservation Officers Warn - Don't Steal Ginseng

Last updated on Monday, October 8, 2018

(UNDATED) - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is serious: Don’t steal ginseng.

The department posted a warning to the public Friday after officers in south central Indiana arrested two people for trespassing and stealing the plants in District 8.

Officers received complaints simultaneously in opposite ends of the District.

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ICO Blake Everhart and the Jackson County Sheriff's deputies tracked down a suspect near Seymour, while ICO Schreck and Brewington nabbed another in Harrison County.

Several Ginseng roots were seized and returned to the property owners.

The purpose of Indiana's ginseng program (Public Law 107 (IC 14-31-3) and Ginseng Rule (312 IAC 19) is to ensure a healthy population for the future. The harvest season was instituted to encourage replanting of the seeds when they are ripe and ensure that only mature plants are taken.

Registration of dealers and certification of ginseng is required in order to monitor the health of the population. The selling season was established for this purpose. Ginseng that is bought for resale must be certified by an Indiana Conservation Officer.

By monitoring reports from dealers, it is easier to determine if ginseng is declining and needs further protection.

Ginseng season is Sept. 1 - Dec. 31. Harvesters can legally dig wild ginseng. Harvesters do not need a license to dig ginseng nor sell ginseng to a licensed dealer.

You can sell ginseng beginning Sept. 1 of the current year to March 31 of next year. Dealers can legally purchase ginseng from harvesters. When reselling ginseng purchased directly from harvesters, the dealer must fill out a form certifying the ginseng's origin and weight. A copy of the certification must accompany the ginseng when it is shipped.

Know the Law


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