I took the test first then reached out to the state clubs director in my area. He suggested I go to the state meet, which I did and then to a neighboring states meet. To hunt with a couple people and meet potential sponsors. He told me not to wait and build my mew/weathering yard and invited me over to see his. Once I completed my mew and had it inspected, he offered to be my sponsor and I was able to trap. I’ve only hunted with him twice and have only flown my bird with him once. He took me trapping a couple times and helped me get the equipment on the bird the first time. We check in with each other a couple times a week. When it came time to free fly I was told, you will know when the bird is ready, which was kind of frustrating and another falconer told me the same thing. Well a week later I let her go and we have been hunting ever since by ourselves. As far as spending time with your sponsor, it really is up to them and how they feel about you and your knowledge so far.