Planning a hunting trip? Here’s something important that you need to know before heading out: If you see purple paint on a tree or fence post, turn back immediately, or you will be considered a trespasser.
A reminder has been issued to hunters about the “Purple Paint Law,” which has been implemented in at least 16 states.
Purple paint on trees or fence posts is left there to warn people that they are entering private property.
“At the beginning of 2020, this law, the ‘Purple Paint Law,’ as it’s commonly called, was enacted, and it allows landowners to use purple paint as a means of posting their property against trespassers,” said Bill Williams, Pennsylvania’s Game Commission Information Coordinator.
The Purple Paint Law provides landowners with the option to use purple paint rather than paying for a printed sign to designate the boundaries of their property. These markings inform people that the area past the marking is private, and trespassing is not permitted.
“Purple is a kind of unusual color to see on a tree. It’s an easier way for landowners to post property, and it’s less time consuming for one thing. A lot of times, these posters are nailed into trees which don’t do good to the trees anyway,” Williams said.
Fox 43 has provided detailed instruction for landowners who choose to take advantage of the Purple Paint Law: “If you do choose to paint a purple line instead of using signs, there are a few things you should know. Number one, the purple line must be painted vertically. It needs to be at least eight inches long and one inch wide. It also needs to be at least three feet above the ground so hunters can see it.”
The Purple Paint Law applies in every county in Pennsylvania except Philadelphia County and Allegheny County. Other states that have passed this law include:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Maine
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas