Wyoming House Advances Bill to Legalize Corner Crossing

Proposed legislation aims to clarify when and where crossing between public lands is allowed without trespassing

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Wyoming House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee has advanced a bill that would legalize corner crossing, a practice where people travel from one parcel of public-owned land to another by crossing the corner of private property. The bill, House Bill 19, comes after a high-profile legal case in Carbon County and a subsequent 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that sided with hunters who had been cited for criminal trespass. The committee debated amendments to the bill, including limiting corner crossing to foot and horseback travel and prohibiting any damage to private property.

Why it matters

The corner crossing issue has been a longstanding point of contention between landowners and outdoor enthusiasts in Wyoming. This bill aims to provide clarity in state law following the federal court ruling, which could have implications for public land access across the West. Supporters say it will help eliminate confusion, while opponents argue it infringes on private property rights.

The details

House Bill 19 states that criminal trespass does not occur if a person travels from one parcel of public-owned land to another. The bill is the result of a 2021 case in Carbon County where four elk hunters were cited for criminal trespass after using a ladder to cross the corner of private land owned by the Elk Mountain ranch. The hunters were later acquitted, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with them, citing the Unlawful Inclosures Act of 1885 that bars private landowners from obstructing access to public lands. The House committee debated amendments to the bill, including limiting corner crossing to foot and horseback travel and prohibiting any damage to private property.

  • In 2021, four elk hunters were cited for criminal trespass in Carbon County.
  • In 2021, the Carbon County District Court acquitted the hunters.
  • In 2021, the case was appealed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which also sided with the hunters.
  • On February 12, 2026, the Wyoming House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee debated House Bill 19.
  • On February 12, 2026, the House committee voted to advance House Bill 19 to the full House of Representatives.

The players

Fred Eshelman

The landowner of the Elk Mountain ranch who sued the four elk hunters for trespassing.

Robert Reeves Anderson

The attorney for Iron Bar Holdings, the company that owns the Elk Mountain ranch, who appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Ryan Semerad

The Casper attorney who successfully defended the four Missouri hunters in the corner crossing case.

Karlee Provenza

The Albany County Democratic representative who offered amendments to the bill, including limiting corner crossing to foot and horseback travel.

Steve Harshman

The Republican representative who recommended an amendment to prohibit physical contact or damage to private property during corner crossing.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.