Summarize the following:
Now that you have captured your first bird, you are officially a falconer. Follow your sponsor's instructions carefully and be patient it will usually take about six weeks to train your bird for hunting. See the linked article for more information. In addition, the 1997 issue of Hawk Chalk (the official newsletter magazine of NAFA) has a great article on using a technique called Operant Conditioning to train raptors. You can find it here. As you move through the ranks of falconry, you'll enjoy greater freedom and privileges than you did as an apprentice. See below for a brief run-down of each classification as specified for Washington State (most jurisdictions will be similar): Apprentice Falconer Only allowed to have one bird at a time May take only an American Kestrel or Red-tailed hawk from the wild (Goshawks allowed in Alaska). Expected to train extensively with sponsor. General Falconer May have up to three wild-caught birds at once. Additional variety of birds available for capture (see state bill WAC 232-30-152 for more information.) May sponsor an apprentice after two years at the General level. Master Falconer Must demonstrate "at least five years experience as a General Falconer and show expertise in successful hunting and care of their birds, and experience with more than one species of raptor." May have up to five wild-caught birds at once. May have an unlimited number of captive-bred birds for falconry purposes. Most falconers join NAFA, the North American Falconers Association, as apprentices. Membership in NAFA carries many perks, including access to falconry-related news, training resources, discussion groups, and much more. NAFA requires all applicants to fill out a simple application form (available for online submission and printing here). Membership dues must be paid when submitting your application and once per year after that North American Membership dues are $45.00 per year, while Foreign Membership dues are $65.00 per year. In addition, you will also want to plan on joining your state or province's falconry association (where applicable.) For example, falconers in Washington State should join the Washington Falconers Association.
Start training your bird. Progress to General Falconer (and eventually Master Falconer). Join NAFA.