HUNTING -- Oregon is the first state in the nation to integrate hunter education registration with license sales, according to a report by outdoor blogger Bill Monroe for Oregon Live.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has cleared the path to end the last-minute lack of a required hunter-education course before a youth heads to the field.

In the past, kids and parents have often waited until too late to register or take the courses, most of which are administered in late winter, spring and early summer, before hunting seasons begin. Monroe explained.

Some of that wrinkle was ironed out with the addition of an online course and workbook that cuts out attendance at a classroom session, Monroe said. But the course's field day remains a requirement for completion and registration is still required.

That just got easier last week with the addition of a fast, virtually effortless online registration feature.

Students and/or their parents may now go online and choose to take the hunter education course entirely in a classroom setting or by independent study (online or by workbook). Independent students must pass a required field day that includes live fire exercises before getting certified.

Youngsters or their parents may also register at any license sales agent or department office that sells licenses and tags. Previously, they had to email or telephone class instructors.