I always understood that in Missouri you must have a sponser first before taking the test. Now, some people from Misouri(also pre-apprentices) are telling me that you must take the test before finding a sponser.
Please help me, I have recieved my sponser list, but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to have a sponser frist before taking the test!
thanks everyone
"Falconry is not a hobby or an amusement; it is a rage. You eat and drink it, sleep it and think it. You tremble to write of it, even in recollection. It is as King James the First remarked, an extreme stirrer up of passions." --- T.H. White
Unless something changed it doesn't matter. I studied and took the test before I had a sponsor, others I know waited. With all the online help if you put in the time you can pass the test. Kurt
I don’t know what the laws are now but if you can take the exam before you have a sponsor then I would say go for it. It would help show your determination in pursuing the sport when you talk to a potential sponsor.
You should be able to contact your local enforcement office and get the answer as to whether you need a sponsor before being allowed to take the exam.
Your Falconry Packet should tell you the proper steps. If not, simply call and ask them. They should be able to tell you if you can schedule and take your test without having a sponsor. My regulations stated that after taking and passing the falconry test, my next step is to find a General or Master class Falconer who will agree to sponsor me. It was clear in writing that I did not have to have a sponsor to take the test. It did state that I had to have one before inspection on my mew. Of course that would be obvious since your sponsor has to co-sign your application form that the Game Warden signs after inspection. Keep in mind that I live in Kentucky. Your regs could be different in that area, all though I doubt it when it comes to taking the test. I also agree with MARKT about taking the test before talking to someone to sponsor you. I was 3 days away from my test when I contacted my potential sponsor. He told me """when you've taken and passed your test, then call me and we'll talk. Now, he hasn't sponsored any one for years but when he seen that I made a 96 on my test and that I've been serious about falconry, he decided to go ahead and sponsor me. The bottom line is...If a person sees how determined and dedicated you are, especailly if you already taken and passed your test,,,they will be more inclined to hear you out and take you on as an apprentice. Just my opinion.