NCWRC reminds outdoorsmen they must have written permission for private land

Landowner Protection Act protects landowners from trespassers

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds  hunters and anglers to obtain written permission from a landowner or leaseholder before hunting or fishing on privately-owned posted property — including land, waters, ponds or legally established waterfowl blinds.

The Landowner Protection Act provides two ways for landowners to post their lands to allow only hunters, trappers and anglers with written permission to legally enter their property. Landowners can post their land by using vertical purple paint marks on posts or trees or by placing signs or posters. The Landowner Protection Act provides detailed instructions on posting property with signs or purple paint.

The Landowner Protection Act specifically relates only to hunting, fishing, or trapping on posted lands. It requires that one must obtain written consent to hunt, fish, or trap on posted lands dated within the past 12 months and signed by the landowner, leaseholder, or agent of that land. This written consent must be carried and displayed upon request of any law enforcement officer. A sample permission form can be found here.

If a hunting club has leased the land, a person shall have a copy of their hunting club membership and a copy of the landowner permission granted to that hunting club. The Landowner Protection Act went into effect Oct. 1, 2011.

For more information on the Landowner Protection Act, click here.