Really, the problems you are having revolve around the handshake. A handshake used to be good for a man's word (most of the time). Nowadays, it seems like it is rare that a man sticks by his word and does the right thing. So enter the lawyer. Now people have to worry about litigation over someone hunting on their land.
A few years back, a lady I knew from work attended my Pheasants Forever banquet. On the way out, she slipped on some ice and broke her ankle. Her insurance company wanted to come after us. What did she do? She refused to tell them who put on the banquet. She said we had nothing to do with her breaking her ankle. Talk about being a stand up person! Not that common these days unfortunately!
My advice is to approach it slowly. Bringing a case of beer and immediately asking for permission wont work. Hang out with the guy for awhile and he will bring it up....I am sure you know all that.
What you do today is important, you are trading a day in the rest of your life for it.
