I was encouraged by the result of the Wyoming hunters that were found not guilty in their corner crossing lawsuit. I am discouraged that there were lawsuits about a law that doesn’t exist.
Now the attention turns to Montana. The hunters’ victory was won in the 10th Circuit, which covers Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah. Since Montana is in the 9th Circuit, that ruling carries no binding precedent there. The battle must be fought again — again, about a law that doesn’t exist. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Public Land/Water Access Association have filed suit in Lewis and Clark County District Court to settle it:
While not without controversy, Stephen Ziegler is doing good work exposing the connections between wealthy landowners, outfitters, and government actions that keep hunters off public land in Montana. I’ve seen a lot from him on his Rack Junkies Facebook page and group. He’s an advocate, not a journalist, so verify what you can independently — but the issues he’s raising are real and deserve attention.
I want to encourage all of us to be excellent stewards of the land — leaving no trash, no trace, being respectful to everyone we encounter. Our reputation must be above reproach. Be informed. Support the organizations that stand for our right to use public lands.
Hang tough Montana. Open up public land to the public.
). But like our guns until the highest court tells states otherwise, it will be a fight…. Old Randy had a nice pod cast about it and the conflict of interest that the head of MT Fish and wildlife has as the head of MT fish and wildlife, is also the head of the cattlemen’s association.