Owning land in Alabama comes with both pride and responsibility. Whether you manage a hunting tract, farm, or rural homestead, protecting your property from trespassers has always been a concern. But in today’s world, with advanced mapping apps and clear laws in place, there are simply no excuses for crossing property lines without permission.
Technology Has Removed the Guesswork
Thanks to modern GPS and mapping apps like OnX Hunt, LandGlide, and HuntStand, anyone can now see exactly where they stand. These tools clearly display property boundaries, parcel ownership, and your live location, leaving little room for confusion. Gone are the days when someone could claim they “didn’t know where the line was.”
If you spend time outdoors—whether hunting, hiking, or exploring—use these apps responsibly. A quick check of your phone can prevent an uncomfortable encounter with a landowner or even a citation for trespassing.
Alabama’s Purple Paint Law
In Alabama, landowners have an additional tool for marking their property: purple paint. Under Alabama Code § 13A-7-1, purple paint markings carry the same legal weight as traditional “No Trespassing” signs. To be valid, the markings must be vertical lines at least eight inches long and one inch wide, placed between three and five feet above the ground. They should be clearly visible and spaced no more than 100 feet apart in wooded areas or 1,000 feet apart in open land.
If you see a purple stripe on a tree or fence post in Alabama, that’s your cue to stop—you’re about to cross onto private property.
When Someone Trespasses on Your Land
Even with clear markings and modern technology, trespassing still happens. If it does, it’s best to remain calm and prioritize your safety. Avoid confronting anyone aggressively. Instead, document what happened—note the time, date, and location, and if possible, take photos or videos from a safe distance.
Contact the Department of Natural Resources or your local sheriff’s office to report the incident. In Alabama, trespassing can carry fines or even criminal penalties. It’s also important to keep your boundaries clearly marked with signs or purple paint. Visibility is key, and consistent markings leave no room for doubt.
In rural areas, sometimes a simple conversation can go a long way. If the person is a neighbor or someone who frequents the area, a respectful discussion about property lines can often prevent future misunderstandings.
Bottom Line: No Excuses
Whether you’re a landowner or an outdoorsman, respecting private property is a shared responsibility. With today’s technology and clear laws like Alabama’s purple paint statute, “I didn’t know” no longer holds up.
Know where you stand, respect the boundaries, and remember—there are no excuses.
