Open Letter To Trespassers In New York State

There are few things that frustrate property owners more than finding out that someone has trespassed on your land. It's get even more maddening when you find litter or damage after the trespassers have left. New York State has a few specific laws that are in place to help protect those who own land.

To all those who intend to hike, walk on or even attempt to hunt on a piece of land you don't own (that is not owned by the state or local municipality), you need to be aware and respect the fact that all land in New York State is owned by someone.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, "You can be arrested for trespassing even if you did not see any posted signs. Your hunting license does not give you the right to trespass on private property. It is your responsibility to find out who the land owner is and ask their permission whether the property is posted or not. The New York State Penal Law makes it an offense to enter any land without permission".

READ MORE: The "660 Foot" Law in New York State

We spoke with a few landowners who told us that littering, noise and destruction of property are a few of the things that they have found on their land from people who did not have permission to be there. Not to mention, theft. It can be very annoying for someone who has worked hard on and pays taxes for the land that they own.

If you plan to hike this fall, or enter a land you are not familiar with, the NYS DEC suggests that you remember: "The lack of posted signs, fences or other man made objects does not imply that you may enter to hunt, fish or trap. It is your responsibility to obtain permission to enter private lands or waters".