I have always had my dogs on a leash or line while in the wild. I have had 14 dogs during my life, starting when I was 5 years old, currently my Boxer is now 11 years old.
Dogs explore. They can find trouble. Out in our woods we have Copperheads, Water Moccasins, Rattle Snakes, as well as others that can just give you a nasty bite. They all bite dogs. We have black and brown bears, if they feel cornered, they can eat most dogs. Then, you always have Bubba who tries to drive 45 mph on a 20 mpg gravel road around some curve and thinks all dogs try to get his chickens.
I've known guys where his dog's attributes amplified his own sense of identity and masculinity. Like saying Davey Crocket would never have a dog on a leash.....well, they ain't Davey Crocket and this is the 21st Century and we have all kinds of restraints for our dogs to save them from all kinds of dangers.