August 24, 2011 in News, Outdoors

Gov. Otter weighs in on grizzly bear shooting

Betsy Z. Russell The Spokesman-Review

Tags:Butch Ottergrizzly bearsJeremy M. Hill

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Gov. Butch Otter has penned a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in defense of Jeremy M. Hill, the Boundary County man who shot a grizzly bear that had entered his yard while his young children were out playing and who now faces federal charges.

“I recognize the federal jurisdiction under the Endangered Species Act, but I strongly support the right of individuals to defend themselves and others in such situations,” Otter wrote. “Many, including me, feel Mr. Hill did what a concerned parent would do.”

The governor wrote, “No one disputes that Jeremy Hill killed a grizzly bear. The dispute appears to be over the reason for shooting the bear. I would sincerely appreciate your looking into this case and assisting in any way you can.”

Hill pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges of illegally taking a protected species, a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison and up to $50,000 in fines.

A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 4.

17 comments on this story so far. Add yours!

Wizard_Of_Oz on August 24 at 4:21 p.m.
Since when is Otter.. jury and judge?
Otter should wait till the trial and ALL the FACTS come out and then petition for clemency.
Its called a JUSTICE system for a good reason.
Mike1950 on August 24 at 4:21 p.m.
Amen, nice going Gov. Otter.
Al_Loysius on August 24 at 4:29 p.m.
It would be funny if Gov. Otter would be called as a defense witness at trial. I wonder what an Idaho jury would do?
hawken on August 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Yes, well done Governor.
liberal_in_right_wing_land on August 24 at 4:35 p.m.
Well, I know I can sleep at night now that Governor Otter as opened his mouth.
Keep voting republican Idaho.
valleyman on August 24 at 4:51 p.m.
I notice the usual cacophony of liberal b.s. in response to the proper actions of a politician who has been asked by a constituent to help out.
Telling him to go to a restroom stall for some inappropriate action and criticizing him for speaking out about something he cares about without any merit or basis for the criticism is pretty below the belt.
This is a perfect example of an out of control federal agency going after someone protecting his family.
finman84 on August 24 at 4:55 p.m.
The only problem is, even if Mr. Hill were convicted, Governor Otter cannot grant him clemency- a state governor cannot issue clemency on Federal charges- meaning the only person who would be able to do so is… well, I guess he is going to prison.
maria on August 24 at 4:56 p.m.
He otter have better things to do with his time.
maria on August 24 at 4:57 p.m.
What’s next, pardoning Rex Rammell for poaching an elk?
westerly on August 24 at 5:33 p.m.
wow 1 year in prison and $50k fine. You can kill your child, and get a tad more .
soccermomsusie on August 24 at 6:14 p.m.
An awesome David vs Goliath stand. To defeat a grizzly like that takes one butch otter!!!
HEAR OUR VOICE!!!!
DCR on August 24 at 7:02 p.m.
More facts need to come out before any of us can decide whether the grizzly sow & cubs came close enough or acted in a threatening manner that would justify the shooting. Wait for the discovery, folks.
However, the feds need to keep in mind the cost of such a trial, and whether prosecutors can get a conviction in this case, given Idaho residents’ feelings about grizzlies. Idahoans tend to convict drug dealers and gang bangers regularly, but the feds don’t have a great track record on securing convictions where the defense raises the specter of government heavy-handedness, malicious prosecution, and the defendant’s self-preservation.
Unless it is abundantly clear that the sow posed no immediate, imminent threat whatsoever to the family, they might want to decline prosecution of this one - they’re not likely to win over an Idaho jury.
maria on August 24 at 7:24 p.m.
soccermom, I expect this sort of thing from butch beaver, butch otter, not sure.
Byrdie714 on August 24 at 7:37 p.m.
Trying to garner votes for your re-election Otter?
Wizard_Of_Oz on August 24 at 9:28 p.m.
What if an Otter entered your yard?
liberal_in_right_wing_land on August 24 at 10:20 p.m.
Wizard, just give it money and it will go away :-)
Justsayin' on August 26 at 12:48 p.m.
Shoot, shovel and Shut up!