Pepper spray = condiment
An old time Alaskan friend of mine who happens to be over 70 and is taking me out bear hunting this year told me the problem with bear spray is after a time or two they learn to like it. They will actually come up to you and give you threat displays to get you to spray them.
All I know is that I sprayed a small nosy black bear this year and it took off like a scalded dog, and was back within 20 minutes rooting around behind the camp kitchen again. Kinda suspect double ought buck might have a more lasting effect.