Going on first bear hunt- I've got a ?

[DRR324]

I drew a bear tag for the UP and will be headed up the last weekend in Sept to the Rapid River area.  I've been up once, picked and cleared my tree, got the bait started, and have a cousin that lives there keeping the bait station full.  My question may be stupid, but I just want some answers/opoinions.
I will be taking my 11 year old son with me, his stand will be in the tree next to mine.  My wife has a bit of concern for both of our safety in regards to a sow possibly protecting cubs and deciding to climb our trees.....
My only handgun is a single six .22, so that rules that out.  Should I borrow a handgun worth protection, or just a can of pepper spray?  I'm not really too concerned, but the powers that be have concerns that my only protection is my predator recurve.  Thoughts, or words of wisdom would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[stickbow2442]

I can't answer your qustion but just want to wish you good luck. And hope to see some bear pics later from you.

[Biggie Hoffman]

You shoot an agressive sow with an arrow, it'll take all of the fight out of her. You have a much better chance of lightning hitting your tree.

[hunt it]

Bear spray will do just fine. Just like Biggie says arrow's good second choice. Most bears climb tree because they are curious not hungry. I've always just pi$$ed on em and they bugger off.

[FlyinCedar]

If you take the spray, make sure you get actual bear spray, and not regular pepper spray. Bear spray is formulated different to work with the pores, since they dont have tear ducts, which is what regular pepper spray exploits so harshly.

[PAPA BEAR]

bear spray is ok but what if the bear runs up the tree away from your stand? maybe your son needs to be above you in your tree.

[larryh]

if you can't hit a bear in the eye as it's climbing towards you, leave the .22 pistol at home. using your bow as a club would be very effective when applied to the nose area. rather depend on that than pepper spray. a simple shout is pretty good deterrant too.
tell your son he can't snack while in the tree. odor is about the only thing that would attract a bears attention.

[Curveman]

I would agree that the odds of an attack are quite low statistically as most black bears will just run off when they hear you. Even when hunting them over bait you are generally OK. However, an internet search will inform you that unprovoked black bear attacks do happen and are on the increase and that part of the reason attacks may be low is that most attacks are in remote areas and people rarely encounter them up close as they ARE generally skittish. (The "park bears" are the least dangerous). There aren't many people hunting them up close so attacks would be rare by definition. Go near a domestic dog's food and watch what happens so I wouldn't join those who would say there is NO risk. I say this not to frighten you but only to support my saying that if it were MY 11 year old I would bring bear spray-why not play worse case scenario with something so dear to you? I don't use it as I have encountered only one aggressive bear in many years hunting them but I would if I was bringing my 11 year old son.