99% Invisible The Checkerboard
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Dec 9, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, journalist Nick Mott, who reported on checkerboard land access, and hunter Brad Cape, who ignited a legal battle over corner-crossing, delve into the complexities of land use in the American West. They explore the quirky checkerboard land system, revealing how alternating public and private lands create unique access challenges for hunters. The pair recount their confrontational experiences after a successful hunt, the ensuing legal battles, and the historic roots of this public access dilemma, highlighting the ongoing implications for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Discovery Of Elk Mountain
- Brad Cape and Phil Yeomans discovered Elk Mountain by studying maps and drove out to scout it in 2019 because it looked like prime elk habitat.
- A local woman warned them the mountain was closed off by a billionaire owner, fueling their determination to find access.
How The Checkerboard Works
- Checkerboard land alternates one-square-mile public and private parcels across large swaths of the American West.
- That pattern often leaves public squares surrounded by private land, making them effectively inaccessible.
Corner Crossing Tactic
- In 2020, the hunters practiced "corner crossing," moving diagonally between public squares to stay off private land.
- They used careful foot placement around survey markers and T-posts to avoid touching private property.
