Posting land annually
From Colonel Justin Stedman, Chief Warden
VT Warden Service
“Recently it has come to my attention that there has been some contradictory information shared by Warden Service employees with different town clerks around the requirements of Title 10 Vermont Statutes Annotated Section 5201. Notices; posting. 10 VSA § 5201(b) states in part that legible signs must be "...maintained at all times and shall be dated each year."
This language means that the signs must be dated for the current year. A sign dated 2025/2026 would not be legal in 2026. The signs would need to be dated in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Additionally, 10 VSA § 5201(c) states in part "The owner or person posting the lands shall record this posting annually in the town clear's office...".
This is the language that has caused most of the recent discussion. Warden Service employees have been directed to inform landowners, who inquire about this requirement, that this language means a recording is good until then end of the calendar year in which it was made.
For example, if a landowner registers their land on July 1, 2026, that land will be considered registered by the Warden Service until 12/31/2026.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your assistance in getting this messaging to landowners who wish to post their land legally. If you have questions, please contact your local warden. If you do not know who your local warden is, you can locate that warden on this website: https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/contact/contact-a-warden”
Colonel Justin Stedman
Chief Warden
VT Warden Service
Filing the "hunt and fish no trespass" form (officially, recording a "Notice of Posting" with the Town Clerk) in Vermont is essential for landowners who want to legally prohibit hunting, fishing, or trapping on their property.
The key reasons to fill out and record this form are:
Legal Enforcement: In Vermont, the default tradition allows public access to open, private land for hunting and fishing unless it is specifically "posted" against such activity. Recording the notice with the Town Clerk, in addition to placing physical signs, provides the legal basis for law enforcement (Game Wardens) to enforce trespassing laws and prosecute violators.
Clear Intent for Privacy: The act of formally posting and recording demonstrates the landowner's objective intent for privacy, which is important for legal protections.
Protection Against Specific Activities: The form and corresponding signs allow the landowner to specify exactly what is prohibited: hunting, fishing, trapping, or any combination of the three.
Foundation for Civil Action: A properly recorded posting may allow a landowner to pursue civil action for damages in cases of trespass, especially concerning issues like hunting dogs entering the property.
Managing Access and Liability: While Vermont law generally provides liability protection for landowners who allow free recreational use of their land, formal posting helps landowners strictly control who can access their property. Landowners can still grant specific, written permission to individuals (using courtesy cards) even if the land is posted, allowing them to manage who is on their property and for what purpose.
Deterrence: Physical signs and the formal recording process serve as clear warnings, which can deter potential trespassers.
The process involves posting specific signs (at least 8 1/2" x 11" with contrasting colors and specific wording) along boundaries and recording an annual notice with the local town clerk's office.