Idaho’s Purple Paint Law
Do you know what it means when you see purple paint on a fence post or tree? If you said no, you’re in the majority because most people have no idea. When I first saw purple painted on a tree in the middle of nowhere about 30 minutes outside of Boise I just thought it was some random weird thing. Turns out, that’s not it at all. There’s a purpose and a pretty important one.
Purple paint on a fence post or tree simply means KEEP OUT! So why not just post a Keep Out sign?
This whole thing started back in the 80’s when signs were being destroyed by weather, vandalism, and who knows what so people started painting their fence posts and trees purple to send the message. It’s simple, cost-efficient, and most people that the message is trying to get to know what this means. Specifically, it’s geared towards hunters and it’s a message saying DO NOT hunt on my land. It’s not necessarily because of the animals being hunted that this law came into effect. It’s designed to help us humans that keep getting shot. There are over 1,000 hunting accidents every year and most of them end up with someone who isn’t hunting at all becoming the victim.
In 1987 the state of Arkansas was the first to implement the Purple Paint Law. Now there are 11 different states, including Idaho that honor and abide by this law. Here are the states listed according to TipHero.com.
Texas Illinois
Missouri
North Carolina
Maine
Florida
Idaho
Arkansas
Montana
Arizona
Kansas
There are certain rules you must follow if you’re interested in using the Purple Paint Law. You can’t just head out front with a spray can and start taking care of business. You must do the following…
Purple paint markings must be vertical, at least eight inches long and one inch wide
The bottom of the mark should be in between three to five feet above the ground
On fence posts, the paint needs to start all the way from the top and then go down your eight inches
Markings can be no more than 100 feet apart in timberland
Markings can be no more than 1,000 feet apart on open land and they must be in a place visible by those approaching the property
Can you use the Purple Paint Law if you’re not living out in the country? If you’re in a subdivision? The answer is YES. This law pertains to everyone and if you’re willing to paint up the front and back yard, it is legal. Does that happen often? NO. Think about it. You don’t see too many No Trespassing signs inside the Boise city limits. But the option is there if you want it. Feels good to do some educating today. Ha! I’m usually the one getting educated.
Now we all know that the Purple Paint Law means Do Not Trespass.