In no way was I trying to imply tracking or trailing are the same. Only that our tracking clubs might be a good place to look for resources, especially for a beginner - of course if you want to get serious, NASAR offers some courses (each state/region has training organizations too), and even an introductory course - but most require a significant dedication of time and money, and usually some travel. I guess I can't really speak for other tracking clubs, but ours is a medley of people. Some of the important resources you will need for either method are found there:
1. People who are willing to be the "missing person" - this is why I
really like my tracking club. It's a group of people willing and understanding - usually even enjoying! - sitting in a field in 36 F pouring rain for many hours - or hanging out with the ticks, spiders and venomous snakes on a 101 F humid Virginia day after walking up the side of a foresty mountain. My family and "non-dog" friends mostly think I am crazy for enjoying these activities.
Many of these people are also familiar with some of the unique challenges of our terrain (which is really different from, for example, urban training, tundra training or southwest training) - but also belong to a greater nationwide network of people familiar in their own terrains who will happily share expertise.
2. Tracking clubs have often made arrangements with landowners to train in their fields and land - I don't know about IL, but it is a big mistake to walk upon a farmer's fields - or even privately owned forest - without permission in VA. National and state parks can provide good opportunities too.
Like I said, our club is very flexible, and not everyone is too competitive or strict about "pure tracking" (like SchH) - they want handlers to reach their individual goals, and experienced members know there are major differences in the techniques. Some of our older members have done SAR, but don't have the physical condition for it anymore - or like I said, others are too involved with other parts of their lives to have the dedication that organizations such as NASAR require. SAR people generally join our group for the 2 reasons above.
Maybe you could try checking with your local SAR organization to see if there are "beginner" training sessions?
I was recently told the part about elimination from the German lady that I have been hiding for...but maybe one of us misunderstood.
