Jeff,
You really represent us well. I would like to urge you to actually contact the rancher and explain that you didnt understand his situation completely and that you understand his point of view and that you will keep an eye out for any wrong doings and report it to the authorities. I think you could probably win him over. Your a very well spoken and reasonable person. I dont think I would give up on hunting the land that I had researched so intensley because you may feel guilty or something. You may even become friends and gain access to his ranch as well.