While gaining respect from other hunters makes one feel good, I find that the respect I gain for myself is more satisfying. When all the hard work and patience finally pay off, you can't beat that feeling. Unfortunately, I find that for every hunter that compliments and congradulates you, there are at least as many that put you down. There is a lot of jealousy in this sport. This is why more and more trophy hunters are keeping to themselves or to their small group of true friends. Kind of sad.
And when their statements don't apply to YOU (or your methodology differs from the group-think).....they'll take shots at even the deer you shoot.....the way you go about hunting said deer or anything else they deem "inferior" to their methods.
It really IS sad.