A federal appeals court has ruled in favour of a group of hunters who crossed a corner of private land to access public lands in Wyoming. The decision is a major win for outdoor enthusiasts and could have implications for public land access rights across the country.
The case involved four hunters from Missouri who used a technique known as “corner crossing” to access public land. This means they moved from one section of public land to another by stepping over the corners of private property, which is divided in a checkerboard pattern. They did not physically set foot on private land but used a stepladder to ensure they only crossed the airspace above the private property corners.
The landowner, Iron Bar Holdings, accused them of trespassing and sued them in 2021. The company, owned by a wealthy businessman, argued that even though the hunters never stepped on their land, crossing through the air above their property was still an illegal act. The case quickly gained attention from public land advocates, hunters, and outdoor recreation groups who feared that a ruling against the hunters could set a dangerous precedent for public land access.
A lower court initially ruled in favour of the hunters in 2023, stating that they did not violate trespassing laws. However, the landowner appealed the decision, bringing the case before the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court’s latest ruling upholds the lower court’s decision, confirming that corner crossing is not considered trespassing under federal law.
Conservationists and public land supporters are celebrating the ruling. They argue that millions of acres of public land across the western United States are effectively locked away due to private landowners using corner crossings to prevent access. The decision could now serve as a legal precedent for future cases, potentially opening up vast areas of public land for recreational use.
The practice of corner crossing has long been a grey area in property law. While the land belongs to the public, private landowners argue that the airspace above their land is still private property. Many outdoor enthusiasts have pushed for legal clarity on the issue, as blocking corner crossings can result in massive amounts of public land becoming inaccessible. This case is seen as a crucial step in resolving those disputes.
Landowner groups, however, have expressed concern about the ruling, arguing that it weakens private property rights. They believe the decision could lead to further legal battles over what constitutes trespassing and could affect landowners’ control over their property. Many ranchers and private landowners fear that allowing corner crossing could invite more people onto their land, creating potential issues with liability, property damage, and wildlife conservation.
Despite the court ruling, some legal experts suggest that the matter is far from settled. The decision applies specifically to Wyoming and the jurisdiction of the 10th Circuit Court, which includes six states. However, landowners could continue to challenge the ruling, and the issue could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court takes up the case, it could result in a nationwide decision that impacts public land access across the entire country.
Meanwhile, public land advocates are urging lawmakers to clarify access laws. Some states have already introduced legislation to protect the right to access public land through corner crossings, while others remain hesitant due to opposition from landowners and industry groups. Many outdoor recreation organizations are now pushing for stronger legal protections to ensure that public lands remain accessible for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other activities.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between public land users and private landowners, a debate that has intensified as interest in outdoor recreation has grown. More people are seeking opportunities to explore public lands, while private property owners are increasingly concerned about managing access and maintaining control over their lands. The rise of GPS technology and mapping apps has also contributed to more people attempting to access public lands that were previously considered unreachable.
For now, the court’s decision is seen as a significant victory for those advocating for public land access. Many hope that the ruling will encourage further legal protections and policy changes to prevent future disputes over corner crossing. However, landowners remain wary, fearing that the decision could set a precedent that erodes property rights.
With growing interest in outdoor activities and increasing conflicts over land access, this case highlights the ongoing debate between private property rights and public land use. The ruling marks an important step in ensuring that public lands remain accessible while balancing the rights of landowners. How this decision will impact future cases remains to be seen, but for now, it represents a significant win for those advocating for public land access.
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