I agree Archangel14. It is very slight chance, that is why I don't carry a firearm or spray when I hike and backpack.
JSH1, I value your opinion. I do. And I'm really not trying to pound this issue. But it's clear that we both have done a bit of backwoods hiking, both have come across our share of bears, and we're evidently still here, typing away. With that said, I've had EXTREMELY close, personal, touchy-touchy contact with a wild bear. I was unarmed. It could have killed me if it wanted to. I literally has no means of protecting myself if the bear made the choice to harm me. I was wholly at the mercy of the bear. Period,
emphasis added. Still, I have wandered back into the same woodlands armed with nothing but a knife and a stick. Not even a bucket of Defensive KFC. Now, my OP concerned MY SON. My 40 pound, 7 year old son. Really, I beg, tell me how I go back into the same lands with just spray? I'm sure it would be fine 99% of the time, but I just don't know how I'd live with myself if that 1% were to happen to him and I came prepared with some spray. I'm sure we can all understand that.
McGunner, I totally value your opinion (as I do with so many from the very excellent forum, JSH1 included). It looks like my .357 with hard cast is the choice. Apparently will work if needed, and more importantly, I am well practiced with it.
Thank you all for the opinions and entertainment!