Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Hunters leaving items on posted private property

My land is posted no hunting, fishing, or trespassing (as is much of my neighbors' property). Last year I found a tree stand on my property and took it down. Various other items (such as coats, trail cameras, and ammo) have been found on posted land in the area. My question: can the private land owner legally keep the items found on land that is clearly posted no trespassing? Is it legal for me to take down a deer stand, pick up coats/ammo/etc and remove trail cameras on my own property? What legal claim do I have to the property once I remove it? I know these hunters are guilty of criminal trespass so many of them never return for their ''merchandise''.


Asked on 11/12/07, 10:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Hunters leaving items on posted private property

I don't know the answer to this. I don't think trespassers forfeit their property but I think they risk being prosecuted for trespassing if they demand it back. That's simply my best guess. As to the "No Fishing" part, I'm not sure if you can legally do that unless it is a lake or pond.

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Answered on 11/24/07, 2:38 pm


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