For years, “corner crossing” sat in a gray area of public land access—a move that could unlock millions of acres of landlocked public ground, but also land you in court. Now, a federal appeals court just delivered a win for hunters, ruling that corner crossing doesn’t violate federal law. It’s a big step forward—but not the final word.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and how it affects your next trip into the backcountry.
What Is Corner Crossing, and Why Has It Been So Controversial?
If you’ve ever looked at a GPS map and seen checkerboarded parcels of public and private land, you know the frustration. Two public sections might touch only at the corners. No trail, no road, and technically, no way to legally get from one to the other without stepping across a private corner.
That’s “corner crossing”—moving from one piece of public land to another at the shared corner, without setting foot on private ground. It’s estimated that over 8 million acres of public land in the West are locked up this way. For decades, hunters have tiptoed around this issue, often unsure what was legal and what might end in a trespassing charge.
The Case That Brought It All to a Head
In 2021, four Missouri hunters used a ladder to cross corners between public parcels in southern Wyoming during an elk hunt. They never touched private land. Still, they were charged with trespassing by the landowner, Iron Bar Holdings, tied to billionaire Fred Eshelman. The case became a national flashpoint for public land rights.
A local jury found the hunters not guilty of criminal trespass in 2022. But the landowner pushed forward with a federal civil lawsuit, claiming the hunters violated his “airspace” rights. The core question: Does crossing at a corner without touching the ground still count as trespassing?
On March 8, 2024, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals said no. The court ruled that corner crossing doesn’t violate the federal Unlawful Inclosures Act, which prohibits landowners from fencing off access to public land. The hunters didn’t interfere with the landowner’s rights. They simply accessed land that belongs to all of us.
Why This Matters for Hunters
This ruling is more than just legal jargon—it’s a real win for boots-on-the-ground public land hunters.
- It affirms your right to access certain public parcels that were previously off-limits.
- It sets a precedent that may influence access laws and landowner attitudes across the West.
- It opens the door to more transparent mapping tools and confidence while planning hunts.
But don’t throw away your corner-crossing caution tape just yet.
What the Ruling Doesn’t
The Tenth Circuit covers Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Kansas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. That means the ruling is strongest in these states, but doesn’t guarantee protection elsewhere. It also doesn’t give you blanket permission to cross at every corner.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- State laws still apply. This is a federal ruling, but some state trespass laws could still create issues.
- Civil lawsuits are still possible. This landowner took the case to civil court—even after criminal charges were dropped.
- No new access trails or signage will magically appear. You’ll still need to do your homework before heading out.
So while this is a big win, it’s not the final chapter. It’s more like a strong wind pushing the door open a few inches.
How to Hunt Smarter After This Ruling
If you’re hunting public land near private boundaries, this ruling gives you more leverage—but you still need to stay smart:
- Use updated mapping tools. Platforms like Hunterizer can help you identify legal public access points, land boundaries, and potentially corner-crossable areas.
- Document your route. GPS tracks and photos can help back up your case if you’re ever challenged.
- Stay respectful. Not all landowners are thrilled about this change. Keeping encounters calm and professional can prevent problems.
- Stay informed. Laws shift. What’s allowed this season might be challenged next. Following organizations like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers or checking updates through Hunterizer can keep you in the know.
Final Thoughts: A Step in the Right Direction
This ruling doesn’t fix everything. It doesn’t bulldoze fences or guarantee safe passage across every checkerboard corner. But it does send a clear message: Public land is meant to be accessible, not locked behind technicalities.
For hunters who have been boxed out of prime habitat because of legal gray areas, this is a reason to stand tall. We’re seeing the tide turn toward fairness and freedom in the backcountry.
Still, this win only works if we use it wisely. That means staying legal, respectful, and informed. With the right tools and a clear head, we’re better equipped than ever to make the most of the land that belongs to us all.
