Excelente post IL Rancher. It's nice to get perspective from the other side.

I like to get my foot in the door early. Ask for permission to hunt sheds in the winter or spring. Dress nicely, and be polite. The couple of times I've asked I got the name of the people I was going to see before hand so when I knocked on the door at least I knew their last name.

A thankyou note can also go a long way wether or not you gain permission. If you were denied, send a thank you note and make sure there is a return address on it. It may be enough to sway their opinion.