Idaho's U.S. Senators seek justice for Hill
August 26, 2011
Both Idaho U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch released statements today urging justice for Porthill resident Jeremy Hill, facing a federal charge for killing a threatened grizzly bear May 8, both also calling for reform of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) under which Hill was charged.

"I have deep concerns about this incident and the decision of the government to prosecute Mr. Hill, who did what any parent would do in this situation," Crapo, who sits on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee which handles oversight of the ESA, said. "Clearly, Mr. Hill thought that his family was in danger and was protecting them from harm. I understand that the Endangered Species Act is intended to protect threatened and endangered species, but Congress never intended to do so at the expense of basic public safety and the ability to protect oneself or their loved ones in the face of danger. The American people need to know that they can protect themselves, their families and property when threatened by federally protected wildlife, and that the government will support their right to do so."

Senator Crapo went on to say that Hill and his family deserve for the matter to come to a "fair and swift" conclusion, after which Congress needs to "get to work on common sense ESA reforms to ensure that this deeply unfortunate situation never happens again."

"I am going to work with my delegation collegues and the governor to ensure that Mr. Hill and his family get the fairest possible treatment under the law and can move on with their lives," he said.

Senator Risch was a bit more terse.

"The federal case against Mr. Hill for shooting a grizzly that was on his property, where he believed he was protecting his family, is another example for the need to reform the Endangered Species Act," he wrote. "Protectioni of your family and property has been sacrosanct since this country was formed. What Mr. Hill did was not a criminal act in the court of common sense. My hope is that common sense prevails in this case."