Looks like I may not need a dealers license to buy Green ginseng to replant. Indiana law only requires you to have a dealers license to purchase ginseng IF the root will be resold. Checking with DNR later today to know for sure.
The purpose of Indiana’s ginseng program (Public Law 107 (IC 14-4-8) and
Ginseng Rule (312 IAC 19) is to insure a healthy population for the future. The
HARVEST SEASON was instituted to encourage replanting of the seeds when
they are ripe and insure 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 a Conservation Officer.
By monitoring reports from dealers it is easier to determine if ginseng is
declining and needs further protection.
1: It is ILLEGAL to harvest wild ginseng out of season. A Class A misdemeanor.
2: To harvest LEGALLY, a ginseng plant must have: at least 3 prongs and a flowering or fruiting stalk, or at least 4 internodes
on the rhizome. To harvest plants not meeting these criteria is a Class B infraction.
3: It is REQUIRED that mature fruits and any seeds on the harvested ginseng be planted in the vicinity where the plant was
dug and in a manner that encourages germination.
4: It is REQUIRED that the entire stalk and leaves be retained with the plant until it is taken to the harvester’s residence or
place of business, unless the root has at least 4 internodes on the rhizome.
5: It is ILLEGAL to sell or remove mature fruits and seeds from the vicinity where the ginseng was taken.
6: It is ILLEGAL to buy, sell, or possess any ginseng out of season without written authorization from the Department of
Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement. A Class B misdemeanor.
7: It is ILLEGAL to buy uncertified ginseng for resale without an Indiana Ginseng Dealer’s License. A Class B misdemeanor.
8: ONLY certified ginseng can be sold to a buyer in another state. To export uncertified ginseng is a Class A misdemeanor.
9: HARVEST ginseng only where it is permitted—digging on State property is not allowed; digging on private property
without permission is theft; digging on other properties may require a permit.
10: Anyone violating these rules will be prosecuted.
