Originally Posted by
hubby11
Short answer is different states have different rules regarding private land that is not posted. Here in VA, you need verbal permission. In Maine, apparently you can trespass and hunt private land that is not posted.
In NH like Maine, if property is not posted you can legally hunt it.
It has nothing to do with trespassing, which is a crime.
From the NH Fish and Game website.
Common law in New Hampshire gives the public the right of access to land that's not posted. You won't find that in state law books, because it is common law, going back to the philosophy of New England's early colonists and supported over the centuries by case law. Our forefathers knew the importance of balancing the need for landowners' rights with that of the public good. On one hand, the landowner can make decisions about his or her land. On the other hand, the public should have limited rights to use and enjoy that land. The colonists held similar democratic notions about rivers, lakes, fish and wildlife.
Today, it's easy to take this notion for granted. In New Hampshire and elsewhere in New England, we enjoy a long, proud tradition of public use of private land.
This tradition also comes with a risk. A landowner who finds trash, disrespect or other problems can easily decide to post his or her land.