I never saw any use in carrying two long guns. I usually take a handgun when hunting, very often a S&W .22 kit gun. That is more than adaquate for squirrel, bunnies or birds.

Just for clarification to my earlier post, i never "carry" two rifles, nor do i think the original question was ment that way.
I do "take" two rifles, the second in case the first breaks or has anything happen to it.

Old saying " Beware of the man that owns one rifle, he probably knows how to USE IT "!

When I hunt moose it's on a one week fly in trip. A lot can go wrong in a week so I always carry my 12ga., and a wide assortment of shells for it, everything from slugs for moose to 8 shot for grouse as well as my primary weapon, a 7mm Rem. Mag. It pretty well leaves me in good shape for all situations. You never really know what's going to happen in the bush. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal