A willingness to kill without hesitation has historically been the key to winning mortal combat. That is generally far more important than actual skill, but yes it can’t hurt to be prepared, and the more skilled the better.
I really suggest that you don’t just go off in the country to what you think is an empty spot and start firing off rounds. If its private property, you might find that its not as empty as you think. Worse, you might get return fire. Cattlemen and farmers aren’t keen on having people shoot around their livestock.
Right on target, no pun intended. That willingness to kill without hesitation was what made the Old West's top gunmen like Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp, and John Wesley Hardin so deadly.
If you live in a crowded state you are probably correct.