I understand your mind is made, but it's a bad idea.

No two encounters are the same and betting your life and those of your loved ones you may be with on anecdotal stories is a pretty big gamble. Animals are unpredictable; what they routinely do may not be what the one in front of you does (for varying reasons, including being sick). Just like in the self defense world, you prepare for worst case not the ideal case.

Noise makers are a great idea, don't get me wrong, but IMO keep your lethal options and less lethal options open, but functioning as intended.

Regardless of what you end up doing, I realize you'll probably never be in a situation where you'll have to put your theories to the test but if you do I hope it works for ya!