Mrriam-Webster Thesaurus gives synonyms of enoble and glorify for "honor". I would humbly suggest that a dumb non cognitive beast responding on the basis of thousands of years of genetic programming doesn't quite reach the level of opposition to GLORIFY it.

Respect-absolutely, but to "honor" such an animal by risking life and limb by confronting him at HIS ADVANTAGE?? For What other than the thrill of surviving the encounter?Do it enough and you will probably DIE!! That is just STUNT HUNTING in my humble opinion.