the railroad only own the tracks and so much on each side of the tracks. i grew up right beside tracks that came into the steel mill and never had any problems with the railroad company. we would walk the tracks to get into the woods all the time. i never hunted from the tracks as it was too open. we always stood inside the edge of the right of way. when we heard or saw a train coming we made sure to be away from the tracks. these were always freight trains that didnt move fast. we even crossed the railroad bridge to cross the river to get in the next county.