BHA Celebrates SCOTUS Corner Crossing Decision

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

In a landmark development for public land access, the U.S. Supreme Court today declined to hear Iron Bar Holdings, LLC v. Cape et al., leaving in place the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals’ unanimous ruling upholding the legality of “corner crossing.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), which has been at the forefront of this fight through amicus filings, grassroots advocacy, and fundraising for the hunters’ legal defense, hailed the decision as a resounding victory for all who value their right to access public lands. 

That appeals court decision protected access to more than 3.5 million acres of public lands in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma, with implications for an estimated 8.3 million acres across the West. By allowing the ruling to stand, the Supreme Court has preserved public access on a significant scale. 

“The Supreme Court’s action affirms a principle hunters and anglers have long understood: corner crossing is not a crime,” said Devin O’Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager for BHA. “Access to 3.5 million acres of public lands has been secured because four hunters from Missouri took a leap of faith across a corner, and the Wyoming Chapter of BHA stood up in their defense. It’s a victory worth celebrating, and a key domino in the fight for public land access across the West.” 

BHA cautions that the fight for access is far from over. The organization’s policy staff are confident similar challenges are likely to emerge in state legislatures and other courts as landowners and special interests seek to restrict access through new avenues. 

“Today’s win is historic, but it cannot be mistaken for a finish line,” said Jack Polentes, Policy & Government Relations Senior Manager for BHA. “Powerful interests will continue to test the boundaries of public access in statehouses and courtrooms across the country. That’s why BHA will remain vigilant—strengthening coalitions, engaging policymakers, and mobilizing hunters and anglers to defend the legal public access rights of all Americans.”