My wife hunts and most guys I talk to thinks that is awesome. I think the experience you had didn't have anything to do with your sex but rather hunters trying to stake claim on spots. Biggest issue to public land hunting. Some guys are just plain greedy.

I have always approached anyone who comes upon me right away with a big smile on my face. My first question is "how's you hunt been going so far?" after some intial pleasantries (hopefully) I ask where he and anyone else in his crew REGULARILY hunt. That's the key. If they have always hunted a specific area for years I leave. I ask how far thier "area" extends. If I get an unreasonable answer which basically doesn't give me any options I will ask where they are planning to hunt that particular day. I will then advise them where I will go.

Only once I had to explain the difference between private and public and the spirit of cooperation.

Most times they wish you a good hunt and everyones territory is staked out for the day.

I couldn't imagine just sitting there looking at each other. That might seem quite passive but is so confrontational in a different sort of way.