North Carolina Posting Laws: How to Post Land

What the law asks for on signs

A sign must measure not less than 120 square inches. The statute text we read shows no owner-name requirement and no letter height. A name and phone number can still help a neighbor or hunter ask permission, but that is a choice, not a statutory step.

Spacing and placement

Signs go not more than 200 yards apart, close to and along the boundaries. At least one goes on each side, and one at each corner. On a long wooded border, walk the line with a measuring wheel or a phone map. It is easy to guess 200 yards wrong when trees hide the view.

Purple paint

Under 14-159.7, purple paint works as an alternative to signs, with no companion sign required. Use a vertical line of at least 8 in. The statute states no width. The bottom of the mark sits not less than 3 nor more than 5 ft from the base of the tree or post. Marks must be readily visible to a person approaching and not more than 100 yards (300 ft) apart. For fish-only prohibition, marks go along the shoreline 100 yards apart.

Hunting land and permission

Hunting, fishing or trapping on land posted under 14-159.7 without written permission is an offense under 14-159.6. The permission must be carried on the person, signed by the landowner, lessee or agent, and dated within the last 12 months. Ask hunters to show that paper, and keep your own copy.

Questions about posting land in North Carolina