yeah screw that. I'd go get him.
Not sure where you are from but where I hunt in NY we look for it no matter where. The laws range from state to state, but jeeeez. If his property is not posted EXACTLY TO SPEC....you have the right to keep looking. NOw that he told you no.......stake out his house and go get him when he leaves. Some rules are made to be broke.
ah.pisses you off. probably not worth it . But read up on the law in your state. Half these cowboy DEC guys don't know what they are talking about.