Basalt...
Well said! This is exactly the same stance that
Andrew Mackay, our outfitter, takes. I respect it and was happy to go along with it.
Having said that, I would still be willing to hunt them without backup and take my chances...Because I KNOW that I would take extreme care and be prepared for the worst. I also know that two lives are at stake and that should be the very most important issue.
I shot a Cape Buffalo too far back two years ago and after several attempts on my part to get in for a second shot, the Buff charged. The outfitter HAD to shoot. The outfitter, the tracker, and I were at extreme risk. That head is being mounted now and I am very proud of it. Sure, I would have loved to have done it with no finishing shot, but the story ended well, no one was hurt, and the animal was not left to suffer unnecessarily!
So...there are definitely two sides to the coin. My Water Buff on this trip was double lunged and he piled up in about 100 meters. It could have gone sour, too, so you take precautions.
So, if the outfitter requires a back up weapon be taken, I live with it. If he does not, then it's my choice to hunt or not hunt the critter. I would choose to hunt the critter and do it sensably.
Cheers...
Too Short