In brief: Bowhunter fatally wounds partner

HUNTING – Oregon authorities say a 52-year-old bow hunter from Tillamook has been arrested on a criminal negligent homicide charge after fatally shooting his hunting partner south of Bend.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Michael Pekarek called 911 on Monday morning to report that he shot 45-year-old Jeffrey Cummings of Wood Village while bow hunting, according to the Associated Press.

Investigators say Pekarek saw a mule deer from their truck on Monday and got out with his bow to attempt a shot at it.

When the deer moved out of view, authorities say Pekarek turned with his bow pointed toward Cummings to tell him the deer was moving toward him when the he released the arrow.

Cummings was struck in the abdomen.

Authorities say Cummings died at the scene.

Pekarek’s bail was set at $50,000.

Bowhunting license changes coming in Montana

HUNTING – Starting in 2017, the purchase of a Montana bow and arrow license will be required prior to applying for any archery-only permit.

To purchase a bow and arrow license, an individual must show completion of a bowhunter education course or show proof of purchase of a previous years bow and arrow license from Montana or another state.

First-time archers need to plan ahead so that they have the prerequisite bowhunter education certificate in order to apply for 2017 archery only drawings. The first drawing deadline is March 15 each year.

Steelhead limit reduced on Columbia

FISHING – The current two hatchery steelhead daily limit upstream of McNary Dam on the Columbia River has been reduced to one hatchery steelhead effective Thursday through Dec. 31, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced in a release.

The change is consistent with all other downstream steelhead fisheries.

WDFW said the total (hatchery and wild fish) forecast for Upper Columbia River (UCR) steelhead passage at Priest Rapids Dam this year is much less than expected. UCR steelhead are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Passage projections are well below broodstock and natural escapement targets.

Reducing the daily steelhead limit now – rather than in November as scheduled – will provide additional conservation measures intended to increase the number of natural spawning fish. Reduced bag limits in downstream mainstem Columbia River fisheries began Aug. 1 downstream of Bonneville Dam and Sept. 1 downstream of McNary Dam.