Headwatermike
FNG
I'm glad this thread exists. It helps to discuss the ethics of asking where game was taken. Personally, I decided a long time ago that it was really a rude question, especially for a stranger to ask. It is along the same vein of asking to see someone's pay stubs--if they wanted to share they would, but you better at least strike up an acquaintanceship before asking such personal questions. No offense to the OP intended, but he was being polite despite your rude approach, even if you didn't mean to be rude.
Over the years I've had people pretend to know where I hunt to try to lead me to give info, ask my kids where I/we hunt, been accused of being an asshole for not sharing, and even had one guy try following me. Before I seem like too much of an asshole I'll say that in the last two seasons I've had no less than 4 elk of friends hang in my cooler, not one of which I inquired about the origin. And I've hosted many more deer of unknown origin. It's inconsiderate to ask.
So if you bump into me and see my elk and feel like asking where I got it don't be surprised if I seem like a dick because I probably just got done hiking for miles with many lbs of elk and am too tired to fabricate some white lie to make both of us feel comfortable. Now if you just want to swap stories I'm your guy and I'm sure we can be fast acquaintances.
Over the years I've had people pretend to know where I hunt to try to lead me to give info, ask my kids where I/we hunt, been accused of being an asshole for not sharing, and even had one guy try following me. Before I seem like too much of an asshole I'll say that in the last two seasons I've had no less than 4 elk of friends hang in my cooler, not one of which I inquired about the origin. And I've hosted many more deer of unknown origin. It's inconsiderate to ask.
So if you bump into me and see my elk and feel like asking where I got it don't be surprised if I seem like a dick because I probably just got done hiking for miles with many lbs of elk and am too tired to fabricate some white lie to make both of us feel comfortable. Now if you just want to swap stories I'm your guy and I'm sure we can be fast acquaintances.