Hunting season officially is underway.

And for those planning to purchase their first hunting license this year, time is of the essence.All first-time license buyers in Pennsylvania are required first to successfully complete a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. The course takes about six hours to complete, and might be held over one or two days.There is no fee to enroll in the basic course, but space is limited, and more courses might be available in one area than another, said Andy Hueser, hunter-education specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission."So before it's too late, go online and find a course that's convenient for you," Hueser said. "Hunting activity will continue to ramp up over the next few months, and as it does, fewer and fewer courses will be available, and you might have to travel farther to meet this requirement."Don't wait until it's too late," Hueser said. "Sign up now."To register for a course in your area, visit GoHuntPA.org and click on the "Learn to Hunt" link, or go to the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and click on the "Hunter Education Classes" icon in the center of the homepage.From here, you can schedule yourself to take the basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. A few classes might yet be added to the calendar this year, but the majority of them already have been scheduled.For anyone 16 years of age or older, the basic Hunter-Trapper Education course also is available to take online, and the online course can be accessed through this page, as well. There is a $19.50 fee to take the online course, which also takes about six hours to complete.More than 41,000 individuals throughout the state last year took Hunter-Trapper Education courses, which are taught by a dedicated team of volunteer instructors. Students taking the in-classroom course are asked to review four chapters of their student manual, which is available online. Participants must attend all instruction before taking a test at the end of the course. Youngsters must be at least 11 years old to receive Hunter-Trapper Education certification.Successful completion of a basic Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education class, or another state's equivalent course, is required by state law to obtain a first-time hunting or furtaker license, regardless of age.In addition to the basic course, registrations also are being accepted for other educational programs offered by the Game Commission, including Successful Bowhunting, Successful Turkey Hunting, Successful Furtaking and Cable Restraint Certification.The Successful Bowhunting course is a one-day voluntary training program for those seeking to expand their skills and knowledge of bowhunting. Although Pennsylvania doesn't require archers to complete a bowhunting education course before they purchase an archery license, certification for this course is required to bowhunt in some other states. There is a $20 course fee, which covers the cost of the online study course required before attending the class.The Successful Turkey Hunting course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to hunt safely and confidently in both spring and fall seasons. Veterans will learn methods and techniques that will help them become better hunters. Students will receive a 140-page student guide and a diaphragm turkey call as part of the program. Classes continue through the summer and early fall. A $15 fee is being charged to offset costs.