From the responses so far, fear fuels the need for firepower and not actual occurrences. That just the presence of a weapon seems to defuse the situation.
I firmly believe that if ever in a situation, which is an extremely slim chance considering the number of hunters afield in southern NM and AZ and lack of incidences my odds of surviving having two rounds of buckshot a highpower rifle cartridge and 10-15 rounds of 9mm instantly available are pretty good. If I'm wrong on the next hunt I go on the dogs will be steady, all the shotguns will be London's bests, the birds will fly slow and I can again shoot cleanup for my dad.
Ronin your description of violence in AZ sounds like Saturday night in Tacoma and Seattle.
I'd not confuse fear with prudence.
