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South Carolina Posting Laws: How to Post Land
South Carolina gives landowners two ways to post: signs placed around the border, or a purple paint mark. Hunting without consent is a separate offence that applies whether or not you post. This guide explains both posting methods, how they compare, and what to keep in mind when you mark a boundary.
What the law asks for on signs
Section 16-11-600(B) asks for signs in four conspicuous places on the borders of the land. The statute text we read shows no foot spacing, no letter height, no minimum sign size and no rule that your name must appear. Our builder follows these sign rules and shows a live preview, and you should read the statute before you rely on a layout.
Purple paint marks
Paint is the alternative to the four signs. The rule describes a vertical purple line not less than 8 in long and 2 in wide. The bottom of the mark is not less than 3 nor more than 6 ft from the ground or normal water surface. Marks go on immovable, permanent objects not more than 100 yards (300 ft) apart, and each must be readily visible to anyone approaching.
Hunting land and permission
Section 16-11-610 makes it a misdemeanor to enter land to hunt, fish, trap or net without the consent of the owner or manager, whether or not the land is posted. So a hunter cannot argue that your land looked open. Consent is the test, and a sign simply makes your answer easy to see.
Practical tips
Decide early whether you are using signs or paint along a given stretch, and be consistent. Walk it each season. Wet ground, creeks and swamp edges are where marks fade and signs lean over fastest, so check them first and photograph what you find.
Questions about posting land in South Carolina
How many signs does South Carolina ask for?
The statute text we read says signs in four conspicuous places on the borders of the land, with no foot spacing given. Larger or oddly shaped tracts may need more signs to be seen, so read the statute and think about where visitors actually enter.
Can purple paint replace signs in South Carolina?
Yes, according to the statute the paint is an alternative to the four signs. The mark is a vertical purple line, at least 8 in long and 2 in wide, on permanent objects not more than 100 yards (300 ft) apart.
Is it still illegal to hunt my land if I did not post it?
The statute text we read says 16-11-610 makes entering land to hunt, fish, trap or net without the consent of the owner or manager a misdemeanor, whether or not it is posted. Posting adds clarity, but it is not what creates the offence.
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.