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I often get questioned about where I get inspiration for my articles. Some are about experiences I have had, others about my favorite hunting or fishing techniques. But, like many things today, more of my inspiration comes from social media. That is what happened this week. More specifically, a social media post trying to justify trespassing while hunting. Let's see what you think.
The post in question, posted on a large hunting page, asked: "If you know an out-of-town landowner does not hunt, would you hunt the property even if you could not get permission?" In other words, it was asking if it would be okay to trespass to hunt.
I'll start by saying my answer is an unquestionable "no." Outside a life-or-death situation or an accident, there is no justification for trespassing. Just because the landowner does not live on the property does not change the facts. It just makes it easier for some people to justify their actions and lessen the chances of being caught.
The ability to own property, be it a small townhouse on a city street or hundreds of acres in the middle of nowhere, is a basic tenet of the American dream. Entering someone else's property, aka trespassing, is a universally accepted violation of social norms. It is also illegal.
In Pennsylvania, trespassing is a violation of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 19 Section 3503. Penalties range from a summary citation to a felony. Here is a breakdown as it would apply to a hunter.
Simple trespass -- Entering or remaining on someone's property without permission. A summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $300 and/or 90 days in jail.
Defiant trespass -- Remaining on property after being told to leave or entering an area clearly marked with posted signs, fencing or purple painted trees. Disobeying signs is a summary offense, although the grading and penalties can increase for repeated actions. Refusing to leave after being told to do so by the owner or representative is a misdemeanor of the third degree and carries a penalty of $2,500 and/or one year in jail.
In Pennsylvania, owners are not required to post the property, nor are they required to sign any posters that may be present. Entering property that is not yours without permission meets the definition of simple trespass.
Aside from the legal ramifications, there are also additional negative impacts. Landowners who experience trespassers are more prone to close the property to all hunters and anglers. In the long run, this deprives all sportsmen of the opportunity to utilize natural resources through no fault of their own. Furthermore, it erodes trust and creates a negative image of hunting and fishing, especially if the landowner is not involved in such activities himself.
While it is tempting to have your own little hunting paradise, trespassing to do so is no different than sneaking into their backyard to swim in the pool or relax by their fire pit. No matter how you justify it, they are just excuses you use to avoid admitting what you did was wrong.
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Tom Burrell is a retired Waterways Conservation Officer, veteran and lifelong outdoorsman. He now spends his days hunting, fishing and sharing his experiences with readers.