Justin,

I was in your boat a year and a half ago and second the advice. To add, my recommendation would be to ask the falconers who you have contacted just to join their hunts now through the rest of the season. The meets, while great, can be hectic with so many people in the field. Your best bet is to go on some hunts this winter. I would be happy to have you along with me, but I am just a lowly beginner myself and am just about to free fly for the first time.

Do you have places to hunt already? If so, go now to see how long it takes you to kick up a rabbit. If you can find a field that is infested with them, literally, that is good leverage... just sayin'!

Best of luck, and I will see you at the meets this year!
-William