From the Illinois DNR website------


Youth Hunting License


The purpose of this license is to extend limited hunting privileges, in lieu of obtaining a valid hunting license, any resident youth age 16 years old and under who will be hunting under the direct supervision of a validly Hunter licensed adult; parent, grandparent, or guardian who is 21 years of age or older.

The Resident Youth Hunting License shall be a renewable license that shall expire on the March 31 following the date of issuance. The Youth Hunting License shall not require any certificate of competency or other Hunting Education as a condition of the Youth Hunting License.

For resident youth aged 16 and under, the Youth Hunting License shall entitle the licensee to hunt while supervised by a validly Hunter licensed adult; parent, grandparent, or guardian who is 21 years of age or older. Possession of a Youth Hunting License shall serve in lieu of a valid hunting license, but does not exempt the licensee from compliance with the requirements of any rules and regulations.

The youth shall not hunt or carry a hunting implement, (firearm, bow, crossbow) unless the youth is accompanied by and under the close personal supervision of a validly Hunter licensed adult; parent, grandparent, or guardian who is 21 years of age or older.

At age 17 years or when the youth chooses to hunt by themselves, they are required to successfully complete a Hunter Safety course approved by the Department prior to being able to obtain their own full Hunting license and subsequently hunt by themselves.