Here?s one to stir up the pot... this was brought up in a recent conversation and wanted everyone?s opinion. Trespassing or no?
Corner Hopping
- Thread starter CODAK
- Start date
JimP
Administrator
Not trespassing
Your stepping from one piece to another with touching the adjoining 2. Hurts no one except those trying to controll access to public property. Also should be owners responsibility to post land as much as its someones to know where they are. Not posted not closed.
Your stepping from one piece to another with touching the adjoining 2. Hurts no one except those trying to controll access to public property. Also should be owners responsibility to post land as much as its someones to know where they are. Not posted not closed.
JimP
Administrator
If you are talking about something that you can just step over then go for it. But if you walk onto the property then it is trespassing.
As for posting, here in Colorado the landowner does not need to post their property. It is up to you to know where you are at all times and if it is legal to walk onto the property.
As for posting, here in Colorado the landowner does not need to post their property. It is up to you to know where you are at all times and if it is legal to walk onto the property.
CrimsonArrow
Very Active Member
It shouldn't be, but sadly it is in some states. Like nvhunter said, its just a way for the state to sanction private land owners in closing off public land access
I know it is illegal most places but don't feel it should be. I do think that it's the hunters responsibility to know the boundaries and not just the land owners responsibility to post everything. Some of the real checker boarded units it would kinda ruin the scenery if there were no trespassing signs around every other section. Fences around the private would be worse for game, stock, and people. With the technology available today hunters can stay on public without all that. It would take some doing to stay on the public but I'd rather deal with the hassle of doing that than have the public unavailable because corner crossing is illegal.
I'm sure it's way less headache for the states to just say it's illegal and not deal with the problems it would create. I don't think they will change the laws.
I'm sure it's way less headache for the states to just say it's illegal and not deal with the problems it would create. I don't think they will change the laws.
In Nevada it has to be posted , which can be just painted fence post tops. My point was make both parties responsible. Nevada is also a fence out state so that is probably where our laws started at for tresspass.
Bonecollector
Veteran member
Some state won't even pursue the act due to difficulties in execution of the law. For me personally it would depend. I'm not out to break laws but this one is a mixed bag in some states but cut n dry in others.
This falls closely in line in my opinion of national forest vs wilderness. Once I'm off the grid away from roads and trails and the lazy hunter crowd I could be anywhere. Just say'n
This falls closely in line in my opinion of national forest vs wilderness. Once I'm off the grid away from roads and trails and the lazy hunter crowd I could be anywhere. Just say'n
Fink
Veteran member
I think, given the accuracy of GPS units, one can easily step right across the exact corner of a piece of property, and never set foot on the private.
swampokie
Veteran member
I really wish u hadn't brought this one up. Makes my blood boil that it can be considered trespassing. I have nothing more to say on the matter.
I’ve been hasled for this before by a landowner wondering how I got into the NF where I was. Showed my track on OnX and proved that I crossed perfectly on the corners. As soon as he saw that, he was just fine. But he was not happy seeing me on “his” NF
WapitiBob
Veteran member
Guys do it with regularity in Wyoming. Might get a ticket but doubtful, even less chance of being convicted.
JimP
Administrator
Shouldn’t be illegal if you never step into private you don’t have permission for, not sure how any enforcement people or prosecutors go for that. Checkerboard in my mind is an unethical way to try and lockdown land you don’t own or pay taxes on.
I thought the word was “corner hopping” was somehow illegal in WY, like there was a statute or something?
I thought the word was “corner hopping” was somehow illegal in WY, like there was a statute or something?
WapitiBob
Veteran member
RICMIC
Veteran member
How do you "corner-hop" with a big bull elk dragging behind you or on your back? Also, in reference to the accuracy of modern GPS... about 15' is what my GPS shows when arriving at a marked waypoint (Garmin 450t). I'm not advocating that this should be illegal or unethical, but it's just not quite that simple. In the outback where I like to go I wouldn't see any problem, but right next to a posted and accessable road, you may be opening the door for a confrontation.
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,903
- 3,216
So not a F&G violation but could be a criminal violation if you were “hunting”. Pretty ambiguous but I guess if you unload and put the rifle or bow on the pack to cross the corner you’re not “hunting”. Sounds like if you aren’t pursuing an animal on private they’d have a hard time convicting. Probably still a situation not worth messing with. Crazy.
mallardsx2
Veteran member
- Jul 8, 2015
- 3,903
- 3,216
Being a non-resident, I'm certainly not testing the waters..... They can easily give me the max fine because they know I'm not coming back to fight it at a later date...
Hilltop
Veteran member
"In 2004, the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office issued an opinion that “corner crossing” from one parcel of public land to another in order to hunt that other public parcel, depending on the factual situation involved, may not violate the game and fish trespass statute, but may be a criminal trespass violation. The factual situation would include whether the person doing the “corner crossing” was hunting or intended to hunt private land at the time the corner was crossed."
The bolded are the key words. The burden of proof falls on your shoulders to show you didn't intend to hunt the private. I'm guessing video would show that clearly but your word against a landowner in any other instance. I haven't done it but would if the right situation dictated it.
The bolded are the key words. The burden of proof falls on your shoulders to show you didn't intend to hunt the private. I'm guessing video would show that clearly but your word against a landowner in any other instance. I haven't done it but would if the right situation dictated it.