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Delaware Posting Laws: How to Post Land
Delaware sets no sign standard in the criminal trespass sections we read. What counts instead is permission and, for some land, whether it is fenced or enclosed. Hunting, trapping and fishing on someone else's land need permission whether or not it is posted. Here is how that works in plain words.
What the law asks for on signs
Title 11, sections 821 to 823 and 829, do not set a letter height, sign size, spacing or owner-name rule. Section 822 applies to land fenced or otherwise enclosed in a manner manifestly designed to exclude intruders. Section 821 covers entering or remaining unlawfully.
Orders from the owner
Section 829(e) says unlawful entry includes defying a lawful order personally communicated by the owner. That means a spoken request to leave carries weight even where no sign exists. Signs still do useful work: they tell people the answer before they ask.
Hunting land and permission
Under 7 Del. C. 714, entering the lands or waters of another to hunt, trap or fish without first obtaining permission is a violation whether or not the land is posted. Hunters cannot treat a missing sign as consent, and you decide who gets permission on your land.
Practical tips
With no sign standard, choose short, bold wording and place signs at entrances, lane ends and field edges. Replace faded signs and write down the dates you hang them. Photos of your signs help show how the land was marked.
Questions about posting land in Delaware
Does Delaware set sign rules for posting land?
In the sections we read (11 Del. C. 821-823 and 829), no. There is no letter height, sign size, spacing or owner-name rule. Place signs where visitors will see them, and read the current statute for any change.
Can hunters enter unposted land in Delaware?
No. Under 7 Del. C. 714, entering the lands or waters of another to hunt, trap or fish without first obtaining permission is a violation whether or not the land is posted. A missing sign is not permission.
Does a fence matter in Delaware?
Section 822 applies to land fenced or otherwise enclosed in a manner manifestly designed to exclude intruders. The sections we read set no sign standard at all. Section 829(e) also treats defying a lawful order personally communicated by the owner as unlawful entry.
This guide explains the law in plain words; it is not legal advice. We read the statute text on 2026-10-24. Laws change: check the current text here or ask your county or state wildlife agency.