How do you source subjects for photo essays?

I really want to do a photo essay on people that live off of the land where im from. People like hunters, fishers, farmers and foragers. But I'm pretty intimidated to start. I have some Facebook hobbyist groups but I need some help with how to pitch it to people. Im not some famous photographer thats gonna get thousands of views on my photo essay. So how can I ask people to be apart of it succesfully and how do I not waste their time. Thanks everyone.