First thing is to contact your state club and go from there. http://tennesseefalconersassociation.com/
There are certain procedures that need to be followed to get a falconry permit, but you should talk to a few local people first to see if you are truly interested and have the time to take up falconry. The molt is upon us now, so not many of us are hunting birds at this point, but it still would be wise to network with the local falconers. Falconry is not so much a hobby, but becomes a way of life.