Backcountry Hunters and Anglers weigh in on the corner crossing win

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Great news for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

The “Missouri Four” have won their civil case.

This case came to light when four Missouri hunters were charged with criminal and civil trespass while corner crossing on public lands.

The hunters won both cases but may still face appeal.

We spoke to the President and CEO of Land Tawney of the Backcountry Hunter and Anglers about what this win means.

”It makes a lot of common sense and also upholds that private property right which we think are very important. At the same time, upholds the publics opportunity to travel from public land to public land,” said Tawney.

Tawney said the hunters operated by the law, verifying GPS locations and checking in with the game wardens and the sheriff.

Coupled with Wyoming Legislation of SF 56 and HB 147 , which prohibits travel on private lands, and stops private owners from barring access to public lands, it helped affirm that crossing on public lands by foot is legal.

The plaintiff was Iron Bar Holdings LLC, and the incident happened in Elk Mountain, Carbon County.

“I think the ruling from the judge is so strong, and then you have that backed up by recent actions by the legislature that we’ll be interested to see if they do appeal in the first place, but if they do again, common sense and really the rule of law is already in place and the body of law that is already in place I think will win the day,” said Tawney.

The CEO said the future looks bright for the west’s 8.3 million acres of checkerboard public lands.

Tawney says he’s looking forward to how this legal precedence will affect access to public lands in other states.