It's not too early. Ask if there is anything he could use your help with. If you have any special skill (ie welding etc.), offer your skills to help. I welded/repaired a farmers cutting deck on his lawn mower and we are friends for life. I helped another with reparing a drainage to a pond, and same thing. Don't be strangers if you do get permission. I've seen a lot of guys that just show up when the season starts, and people do not always appreciate it. Offer venision also.

From the other side, I had two guys post my land (something that I just couldn't get to for a few years). I was very happy with the offer, and they now have permission to gun hunt my land.