Court Opinion

ID: 9517536
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 00:20:01.890875+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:54:45.441658
License: Public Domain

DUNN, Justice
(dissenting).
The crucial issue here is whether the land in question was an unimproved section line, not commonly used as public rights-of-way, and never altered from its natural state in any way for the purpose of facilitating vehicular passage. SDCL 41-9-1.1.
The majority opinion indicates that this language was intended to apply only to pasture land on the vast ranches in the west river country. I would agree that it does apply to such pasture land, but it equally applies to section lines that have been cultivated right up to the fence, as is the case here. The pictures clearly indicate that the section line has been cultivated. The tracks involved here do not appear to be well-worn trails. In particular, the picture showing the expended shotgun shell, appears to be a fresh rut perhaps caused by either Mr. Garrett or Mr. Hawkins while driving during the hunting season when the land was wet. None of the pictures reveal any improvement or alteration from its natural state to facilitate vehicular traffic. In fact, it appears to be cultivated ground which would make vehicular traffic more difficult.
I cannot concur that a rancher or his renter cannot drive along one of these fence lines for the purpose of moving machinery, checking cattle, or taking people to a goose pit without opening up this section line to hunting. I would affirm the conviction.
I am authorized to state that Justice MORGAN joins in this dissent.