Overview
- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Public Land & Water Access Association filed a state lawsuit seeking a clear ruling on whether stepping between public parcels at a shared corner without touching private ground is legal.
- The case, filed Thursday in Lewis and Clark County District Court, challenges Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ guidance that treats corner crossing as unlawful.
- The filing followed Wednesday testimony from Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, who said landowners control low airspace under Montana trespass and drone laws and argued that passing through that space can be trespass.
- Montana has no statute or controlling state case on corner crossing, and a 2025 Tenth Circuit ruling favoring Wyoming hunters is persuasive but not binding in the Ninth Circuit.
- About 871,000 acres of public land described as corner-locked could open or remain off-limits for hunters, anglers, and hikers, as wardens continue to refer cases to county attorneys and a separate bill to legalize the practice remains only a proposal.