Montana Hunters: Corner-Crossing Still Off Limits

The corner-crossing debate is back in time for hunting season. And it’s confusing a lot of people again. Some hunters watched the Supreme Court throw out the corner-crossing case and thought, “Great! Does that mean I can jump the fence now?". Not so fast.

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Corner crossing remains illegal in Montana. It’s not because the SCOTUS said it was OK. They simply declined to hear the case. In other words, nothing changed here. If you attempt to walk from one piece of public land onto an adjacent piece of public land by cutting across the corner where it borders private property, you are trespassing. And the FWP will give you a ticket.

What the Law Actually Means

Here’s the thing: corner-crossing is one of those fuzzy subjects we would all like to simply pass off as not that big of a deal until you are in front of a game warden. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks made it clear that corner-crossing “remains unlawful” and you could still be fined for it. It doesn’t matter how small the corner is or how much private land you’re stepping over. And if you’re caught, “But I read it on the internet!” won’t hold up as a defense.

Why This Matters Right Now

General hunting season is upon us, and it’s the time when tempers, trespassing, and tickets are at their peak.  With almost a million acres of corner-locked land in Montana, it’s hard to resist the feeling that you’ve discovered some clever hack. But that workaround might mean hundreds of dollars in fines and could waste a great hunt.

Bottom Line

Study your map. Don't be afraid to knock on a door and ask for permission. Until the law is off the books, it is still a law. No matter how ridiculous it is for access to public land.