RE: Anybody here from the Chapel Hill area???
I lived in Durham for 4 years while I was at Duke. I had a lot of success just knocking on farmers doors. I usually went with the bowhunting approach, just b/c it sounds safer for the famers and thier families. I also donated a few days a year to help out around the farm and usually some venison. There are many ways to go about asking for permission. This is what was successful for me.
I wrote a unique letter and had it printed on color paper then drove around and dropped it in mailboxes. I told them I would be back onX day to speak w/ them in person. If they were NOT interested,I asked them to email/call me with thier address. Only one did. When I went back, I dressed nice.Khaki pants, polo shirt, knocked on the door. In two days work I ended up w/ about 750 acres spread over a couple farms. You might have to drive a little out of town to find some of the larger farms, but I think you'll be surprised.
Hint...look for soybeans...these are the farmers that were most interested.
KP