How to Legally Prevent Hunters From Trespassing on Your Property

Hunters who trespass pose serious dangers to adults, children, pets, livestock and buildings. Knowing how to legally prevent hunters from trespassing on your property will help you maintain a safe space in which to live in peace and comfort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Orange or red paint
• Internet access
• Signs to post at property boundaries
• Fencing
• Plywood

Post Sufficient Signage

1. Consider that trespassing is not a crime in many jurisdictions if offenders are unaware they have traversed private property. Post signs at the boundary of your property warning hunters to stay off your land. A fence, even if it's a rudimentary wire ringing the property, can alert others that they are about to breach your property boundaries.
2. Learn your local requirements for signage. Some states have specifications for effective and legal signage. For instance, in Arizona, "No Trespassing" signs must be 8 inches by 11 inches.
3. Use universal signage. Hunters usually understand that a square of plywood painted orange and tacked to a tree, post or fence in between "No Trespassing" signs means they are at the edge of private property.

Know the Penalties

4. Ask your local sheriff about the penalties for hunters who trespass. If you are next to popular hunting land, you may be in an unincorporated area that's not subject to police protection, so keep the sheriff's phone number accessible in case a hunter invades your property.
5. Consider posting the local penalties on your signage. Many states fine hunters who are caught trespassing $100 or more for a first offense, and larger amounts for subsequent charges. Some jurisdictions even seize a hunter's equipment for trespassing charges.
6. Know that hunters frequently cross boundary lines to gain control of wounded prey or to retrieve a hunting dog gone astray. In many jurisdictions, this is still considered trespassing if the property lines were adequately marked with "No Trespassing" signs.
7. Seek support through advocacy groups and online resources like Nolo (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Make your property boundaries as obvious as possible to legally and effectively assert your authority over the area.
• Wear bright colors if you go outside your home to confront a hunter. You want to prevent the hunter from confusing you with game.
• Don't lose your cool, no matter how aggravating trespassers can be. Forcibly detaining a trespasser may be a crime, and assault is certainly illegal. Depending on your state laws, you can be at risk for lawsuits if you physically confront a trespasser.