Legends of the Wild, Episode 10 - Corner Crossing Victory: Inside the Landmark Win for Western Public Land Access
Host: Sam Soholt
Guest: Devin OD, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)
Air Date: October 22, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode explores the recent landmark legal victory affirming the legality of “corner crossing” public lands in the Western United States. Host Sam Soholt invites Devin OD of BHA to break down the history, legal context, and implications of the case—the so-called "Missouri Four" and their bold defense of public land rights in Wyoming, now setting precedent for millions of acres. Hunters, conservationists, and all outdoor enthusiasts will find both the legal insights and the celebration of community activism inspiring.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What is Corner Crossing? [02:04]
- Definition: Corner crossing is the act of moving from one piece of public land to another at the shared corner where two public and two private parcels meet—a frequent scenario in the “checkerboard” land pattern of the West.
- Legal Gray Area: Until now, it’s been unclear if crossing from public to public land at the corner (without touching private) constitutes trespass.
“When you think about the checkerboard… You’ve got these different parcels of public and private land... Corner crossing is physically stepping from public land to public land from corner to corner...”
— Devin OD [02:36]
2. The Missouri Four & The Wyoming Court Case [03:34]
- Background: Four hunters from Missouri, wanting lawful access to public land on Elk Mountain, devised a ladder to cross at the corner without touching private land.
- Two Years of Hunts: They repeated the process to ensure legality and avoid even grazing private property.
- Legal Challenge: Despite all precautions, the landowner initiated criminal and civil proceedings.
“They brought this ladder. They made sure that they never stepped foot on any of the private land…”
— Devin OD [03:56]
3. Community Action and Fundraising [06:27]
- GoFundMe Effort: BHA launched a community-supported legal fund; thousands contributed, showing collective investment in public land access.
- Personal Stories: Sam shares his significant personal/business donation and the excitement of directly aiding the legal fight.
“There was a GoFundMe…you could watch your money go to that GoFundMe and know that it was going to get spent on lawyers…”
— Sam Soholt [08:32]
4. Courtroom Battle: David vs. Goliath [07:13], [10:09]
- Escalation: Criminal charges were dropped, but civil claims ballooned from $70,000 to $7-9 million—citing the loss of “landlocked” value.
- Federal Significance: Transferred to federal court, making the case precedent-setting.
- Unlawful Enclosures Act: The case revived important federal precedent rejecting private efforts to “enclose” public land access.
“Your valuation is built upon the public as being part of your land…you’re claiming that as part of your property value.”
— Devin OD [13:13]
5. The Legal Win & Its Reach [14:45], [16:22]
- District & Appeals Courts: Hunters and public advocates win at every turn—state court, 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, and ultimately, the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal, allowing the lower court’s decision to stand.
- Precedent: Now, in all 10th Circuit states (CO, KS, NM, OK, UT, WY), corner crossing—without touching private land—is legal and protected by federal precedent.
“Corner crossing is not a crime.”
— Devin OD [16:23]
- Massive Impact: Approximately 3.5 million acres of public land are now newly accessible in those states.
“These are acres that are accessible for the public.”
— Devin OD [09:34]
6. What’s Next? State Legislation, Expansion, and the “Domino Effect” [19:35], [21:33]
- Potential Legislative Action: Other states may draft cleanup bills or new rules—either to enshrine or restrict this right.
- Community Vigilance Needed: Hunters and public land advocates are urged to stay engaged, as local efforts could shape—or endanger—future access.
“We’ll be paying attention from a defensive standpoint, but also potentially to run legislation…”
— Devin OD [22:25]
7. Historic Checkerboard Land: Why Does It Exist? [24:26]
- Railroad Expansion: 19th-century government incentive programs gave alternating 1-mile-square parcels to railroads—creating the checkerboard.
- Lasting Legacy: Many parcels never sold, leaving a permanent, confusing landownership grid, especially evident in Wyoming.
“You’re left with these lands that I don’t think the federal government ever imagined would stay in this sort of checkerboard ownership that were never sold.”
— Devin OD [24:56]
8. Access & Landowner Relations [27:12], [31:10]
- Respect for Private Property: Repeated emphasis on the necessity of crossing respectfully, purposefully, and lawfully.
- Future Solutions: Potential for volunteer-driven placement of survey markers, signage, or corner gates for clarity and to reduce conflict.
- Unlawful Enclosures: Landowners can no longer block these corners; physical obstructions may need to be removed.
“Our volunteer network [could help]…make sure that there’s clear guidance for people—‘this is the corner, this is where you cross.’”
— Devin OD [33:10]
9. Game Management and Wildlife Impact [27:14]
- Hunting Opportunities: Many newly accessible lands are prime habitat for antelope and mule deer, with likely short-term increases in game availability.
- Spread of Hunter Impact: More access spreads hunters out, which can benefit wildlife and reduce pressure.
“Anytime that we can distribute pressure on public lands…that’s a good thing.”
— Devin OD [27:55]
10. Remaining Gray Areas: State Lands and Enforcement [40:30],[44:52]
- State vs. Federal Land: States may place their own limitations. For example, Colorado has barred corner crossing to state lands; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) released a statement asserting it’s illegal there—without robust legal foundation.
- Potential Confusion: Some state agencies may resist or reinterpret access rights, requiring ongoing vigilance and advocacy.
“That’s not a great justification for locking the public out of public lands.”
— Devin OD [42:01]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
“It was a classic David versus Goliath. We all know how the justice system works—it oftentimes falls to the one with the most money.”
— Devin OD [07:13] -
“I think it was one of the first times…you can feel like you have a vested interest in the outcome.”
— Sam Soholt [08:32] -
“The Supreme Court…decided they were going to decline that petition…Corner crossing is not a crime.”
— Devin OD [16:23] -
“Go out and find a corner in the 10th Circuit and do it respectfully. Enjoy your public lands.”
— Devin OD [45:33] -
“It was really volunteers...that made it happen...Get involved, find your local chapter. This is something that you can have a piece in.”
— Devin OD [48:13]
Important Timestamps
- 02:04 — Defining Corner Crossing
- 03:34 — Story of the Missouri Four
- 06:27 — Grassroots Fundraising & Community Engagement
- 10:09 — Criminal vs. Civil Legal Proceedings
- 13:13 — Landowner Valuation & Motivation
- 14:45 — Legal Timeline and Supreme Court
- 16:22 — 10th Circuit Decision & Supreme Court Decline
- 19:35 — Decoding Next Steps and Long-Term Protections
- 21:33 — Anticipated State Laws and Public Vigilance
- 24:26 — The Historical Roots of Checkerboard Land
- 27:55 — Game Management Benefits & Potential Impacts
- 31:10 — Fencing, Signage, and Volunteer Opportunities
- 40:30 — State Agencies’ Confusing Positions
- 45:33 — Final Thoughts & Calls to Action
Audience Action & Calls to Engagement
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to BHA newsletters and stay in touch with state chapters to receive timely legislative alerts and opportunities for involvement.
- Volunteer: “Get involved, find your local chapter. This is something that you can have a piece in.” [48:13]
- Celebrate the Victory, Mindfully: Access your public lands respectfully, in line with the law and in the spirit of collaboration with landowners and fellow hunters.
Tone and Closing Thoughts
This is a celebratory, optimistic episode—grateful for a win earned by grassroots efforts, community funding, and collective action. Both Sam Soholt and Devin OD urge listeners to stay vigilant, proactive, and united—recognizing that every individual “can have a piece in” defending and expanding access to public lands for generations to come.
“Go out and enjoy this win. But stay engaged—because the fight for public lands is never truly over.”
— Paraphrased closing sentiment
[End of Summary]