Pre-Apprentice from Southern California!

[Ana Park]

Hi guys! I'm a Pre-Apprentice from Ventura County, CA and I'm looking for advice on a bunch of things, so any help would be appreciated!
I will be getting my study guide soon and trying to take the F&G test to get my license.
    Do I need a sponsor before I get my license or after?
    Should build my mews before or after I find a sponsor?
    Relatedly, what the size regulations for red-tail or Harris mews would be?
    Is there anything important I should be asking that I'm not?
I am also looking for any falconers in my area that would be willing to let me go on hunts with them and possibly sponsor me. I've been on one hunt so far with an experienced falconer and 2 Harris hawks and it was a lot of fun. I'm 17, my parents are willing to drive me and pay for all of it so that's not an issue, my mom's almost as excited as I am. xD Anyway, advice of any kind would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and happy hunting

[Ally]

Welcome Ana!
You are very lucky to have parents who are so supportive, good luck! I got my license just before I turned 17 and haven't looked back since!

For your first question--you CAN'T get your license without a sponsor, but some states require you to have a sponsor before you take your test, some don't. For your others, most of those are state-specific regulations: like size of mews, and at what point in the licensing process you need a sponsor...there should be a book or online access for California falconry regulations--in my state, I just had to send an email to my fish and game department and they mailed me the regulations. I know there are two very active clubs in your state that should be able to help you as well!

You will have a lot more questions along the way I'm sure--dig around this forum, there is SO MUCH information here it can be overwhelming, I know, but use the Search function and you should be able to find what you're looking for. Welcome, and good luck!