Hi, I am Fred but I can't be your sponsor! LOL (I live too far away) Join the Virginia Falconers Association, go to the 2 meets you mentioned (you might see me at one or both meets), and definitely give the local falconers a call and tell them you want to go hawking with them. Getting out there and beating the brush and flushing a rabbit for someone never hurts your chances of getting a sponsor. Falconry is a long journey, take your time and enjoy the ride!