Are you allowed to take griz during your hunt? I think I would still take the 54 but pack extra heat if you can. I'm not sure what Canada allows but can you let your son shoot the rifle and you the 54 and can you carry a sidearm pistol. Are you and your son hunting together or seperate from each other. If it were me I think I would hunt together and have that extra pair of eyes looking for griz. Either way it sounds like fun but because of the no spring griz hunt there are more griz out there. Be safe and let us know if you score.