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North Dakota Posting Laws: How to Post Land
North Dakota gives landowners more than one way to post. You can use signs with your name, post the gates of fully fenced land, or designate the land in the state's online database. The rules live in NDCC 20.1-01-17 and 12.1-22-03.
What the law asks for on signs
The name of the person posting must appear on each sign in legible characters. The notice must be readable from outside the land. The statute text we read lists no letter height and no minimum sign size, so plain, bold lettering is the safe choice. Substantial compliance counts if the notice is clear from the circumstances.
Spacing, gates and the database
Signs must be placed conspicuously, not more than 880 yards apart. On fully fenced land, signs at or on all gates post the whole enclosure. Instead of signs, you can designate the land in the state's online database. Read the statute for how that works before relying on it.
Hunting and recovering game
Hunting on legally posted land without permission is an offense under 20.1-01-18. Recovering downed game on posted land is allowed under 20.1-01-19. Trapping on private land requires written permission whether posted or not. Unharvested crops are covered by 20.1-01-22: permission is needed there too.
Fences and licensed hunters
Be careful with fences alone. The fence-based trespass rule in 12.1-22-03(3)(b) excludes licensed hunters and anglers who are lawfully hunting. A fence is not a substitute for a named sign. The statute text we read lists no purple paint rule for North Dakota.
Questions about posting land in North Dakota
Does North Dakota require my name on a posting sign?
Yes. Under 20.1-01-17(1)(a) and 12.1-22-03(4)(a), the name of the person posting must appear on each sign in legible characters. The notice must also be readable from outside the land. Substantial compliance counts if the notice is clear from the circumstances.
How far apart do North Dakota signs go?
Signs must be placed conspicuously, not more than 880 yards apart. On fully fenced land, signs at or on all gates post the whole enclosure. You may also designate the land in the state's online database. Read the statute for the details.
Can hunters retrieve downed game from posted land in North Dakota?
Yes. The statute text we read says recovering downed game on posted land is allowed under 20.1-01-19. Hunting on legally posted land without permission is still an offense under 20.1-01-18, so ask first before hunting.
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.