Why Landowners in Pennsylvania Post Their Property against Hunting

Recent reductions in access to private property have resulted in declining availability of private land for recreational purposes, including hunting. In Pennsylvania, access to such land for deer hunting is critical to effectively manage the Commonwealth’s deer herd. Posting is among the most commonly used means a private landowner has available to limit access to property. This study examined landowners’ motivations to post their land against hunting and other recreational uses. Nearly 70% of all landowners in a mail survey posted their property. Variables that increased landowner likelihood of posting included past problems with recreational users, location, number of acres owned, and concerns about property rights, illegal hunting activities, safety, and potential liability issues. Variables that decreased the likelihood of posting included length of ownership, ownership primarily for agricultural purposes, and concern about deer-related damages. Implications of these findings are advanced.