Lt. Gov. Juras Opines that Corner Crossing Is Illegal in Montana, Others Disagree
State officials say hunters should seek permission from adjoining landowners, as about 871,000 acres of public land remain corner locked.
- On Wednesday, Montana officials reaffirmed that corner crossing remains unlawful, with Kristen Juras telling the Environmental Quality Council that landowners maintain rights to the airspace above their property.
- Although a Wyoming federal court ruled in favor of corner-crossing hunters in the 10th Circuit, Juras noted Montana falls under the 9th Circuit, where that precedent does not apply.
- Juras cited the "heaven to hell" doctrine and Senate Bill 493, which penalizes drone flights below 200 feet, to argue that current law protects landowners' "full enjoyment" of their property.
- A 2025 Montana Free Press-Eagleton poll found nearly 60% of voters support legalizing corner crossing, yet the Gianforte administration instructs wardens to use discretion citing trespassers.
- State Sen. Ellie Boldman and State Rep. Joshua Seckinger are drafting legislation to legalize corner crossing, which the Montana Legislature is expected to consider when lawmakers convene in January.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Montana civic leaders discuss 'corner crossing'
The debate over corner crossing in Montana has drawn increased attention in recent months following federal court rulings in a Wyoming case.On Wednesday, Lt. Govern Kristen Juras, R-Mont., addressed state lawmakers on the issue in Big Sky Country.The question I want to discuss with you today, Is that a trespass, or a lawful way to access public land? Juras told the Environmental Quality Council, which is comprised of state legislators and member…
Montana elected leaders discuss 'corner crossing'
The debate over corner crossing in Montana has drawn increased attention in recent months following federal court rulings in a Wyoming case. On Wednesday, Lt. Govern Kristen Juras, R-Mont., addressed state lawmakers on the issue in Big Sky Country.The question I want to discuss with you today, Is that a trespass, or is a lawful way to access public land? Juras told the Environmental Quality Council, which is comprised of state legislators and me…
Public-Access Groups Sue Montana Over Corner Crossing: 871,000 Acres at Stake
Two public-access groups filed a lawsuit in Montana this week over corner crossing, one day after Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras told state lawmakers that the practice remains unlawful under Montana property and trespass law. On May 14, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) and the Public Land & Water Access Association (PLWA) filed suit in Lewis and Clark County District Court. The groups want a court to clarify whether people can legally step from one p…
Montana’s Lt. Gov. Says Corner Crossing Is Illegal. Critics Say the Law Isn't Clear
On Wednesday Montana’s lieutenant governor Kristen Juras presented to a group of state lawmakers, civil servants, and a few members of the public on the legal status of corner crossing. Juras concluded what Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks had already announced in November: that stepping from one corner of federal land to another is unlawful in the state of Montana. Her presentation, which included a 32-slide deck outlining her position, was met…
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