Jay Richards

I've been keeping my eye on the wild rice this year, hoping I can get out a couple of times for some harvesting. Last time I went was when I took the boys on Bullhead lake 3 years ago. We hit it a little late but was fun to show them what it is like. The crop is looking pretty good down there, probably the best out of area spots I have looked at. The best time was when I went with Jonell's dad maybe 10 years ago and we hit it pretty good in the Park Rapids/Lake George area. Went with Jonell's brother a few years back, we just went one afternoon south of Park Rapids but was pretty green and didn't cook out so well. Growing up I used to go with my parents and if you have ever riced before, getting the rice in your throat or down your shirts and pants isn't fun.



Stopped in Richwood today on way home from town. Saw a guy filling up with gas that had a ricing canoe in the back. So I asked him is take on the ricing scene. He had just come from Round lake on the Tamarac Natl Wildlife refuge, east and south of here about 10 miles. He had knocked down a few pounds but was pretty green and needed 3-4 days. He showed me some and it looked farther along than the the rice in front of our house. I ended up talking to the guy for about a half hour. He was hard core. He was rambling off all the top spots in the state of MN and knew ricing backwards and forward. He is part native so is able to get permits on the rez. Anyways he said he had 6 different canoes he uses and went through the pros and cons of each. Ended up exchanging numbers and said he would give me a call on a whim since he is always looking for partners. He talked about going to Mallard lake near Mille Lacs but that would be a haul and better for me to stay nearby. He said on a good day at Mallard a couple guys could knock out 400 pounds.