What 1896 Supreme Court ruling supported state ownership of natural resources and allowed conditions on the taking of game?

The Supreme Court ruling in Geer v. Connecticut (1896) is significant because it established that states have the authority to regulate and control natural resources within their borders, including wildlife. This case centered around the state's right to manage game and fish populations, allowing for regulations that could include restrictions on hunting or taking of certain species.

The ruling emphasized the idea that wildlife is a public resource that belongs to the state, and as such, the state has the power to legislate conditions under which these resources can be harvested or protected. This decision reinforced the principle of state sovereignty over natural resources, affirming that the state could set rules to ensure sustainable management and conservation efforts.

Understanding this ruling is crucial in the context of natural resource management, as it laid the groundwork for modern wildlife conservation laws and policies, highlighting the role of state governance in environmental stewardship.