Governor Signs Illinois Bill, Pennsylvania Program Takes Effect Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has signed a new law creating the Illinois Apprentice Hunter License Program. The program will allow youngsters ages 10 to 17 to buy an apprentice license and go hunting with a licensed parent, grandparent or guardian prior to hunter education. Adults will be able to buy an apprentice license and go hunting with any family member or friend who is a validly licensed Illinois resident hunter. The bill was based on model legislation created under the Families Afield campaign of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation and NSSF. The campaign is aimed at providing parents with more opportunities to hunt with their sons and daughters. In other Families Afield news, Pennsylvania's Mentored Youth Hunting Program took effect Saturday. The program, also part of the Families Afield campaign, is designed to encourage more young people to take up hunting to increase hunter numbers.