If You See A Purple Fence Post, Turn Around And Stay

When you are walking in nature, whether you are hiking on a trail, exploring open fields, or enjoying a peaceful stroll through the countryside, you will likely see many different kinds of fences. These might include fences made of wooden posts and rails, fences made of metal chains linked together, or the familiar sight of a fence with three horizontal wooden boards. However, there is one particular type of marker that you should always pay close attention to and never disregard: a fence post that has been painted purple.

At first glance, the purple paint on a fence post might seem like a unique or artistic choice, or perhaps just a way to add some color to the landscape. However, this specific color actually carries a very important and serious message. In sixteen states across the United States, a coat of purple paint on a fence post is legally recognized as having the same meaning and force as a traditional “No Trespassing” sign. These laws are officially known as Purple Paint Laws. They provide landowners with another way to clearly mark the boundaries of their private property. This method offers an alternative to putting up physical signs, which can sometimes fall down, get broken or damaged by weather, or fade over time, making them less effective.

You might wonder why the color purple was chosen for this important warning. The reason is that purple is a color that is easily noticeable and stands out very clearly in natural outdoor environments. It does not easily blend in with the colors of trees, bushes, or the earth. In fact, the specific shade of purple used for this purpose is sometimes even referred to as “No Hunting Purple.” This name highlights that the purple paint serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it clearly indicates to anyone walking by, such as hikers or casual wanderers, that they should not enter the private land beyond the marked post. Secondly, it acts as a very clear warning specifically to hunters that hunting is not permitted on this particular property.

This law is especially significant and helpful in areas where landowners want to protect their land from people accidentally wandering onto it or from illegal activities, such as hunting without permission. It’s important to remember that safety is a key concern in these situations. Statistics show that unfortunately, there are over 1,000 hunting-related injuries and even deaths that occur in the U.S. every year. Because of these safety risks, the purple paint warnings are about much more than just respecting property lines—they are fundamentally about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the area. By clearly marking their property with these painted posts, landowners can take an important step to help safeguard their families, their farm animals, and anyone else who might be in the vicinity of their land. Therefore, if you ever encounter a purple fence post, remember the important message it conveys: “Turn Around And Stay.”