A lot? This was most definitely NOT the case with either the Scots or the Norse, the reasons that some hunter/gatherer cultures are not portrayed as having shields include 1)shields can be heavy and 2)they have little use in hunting.
Given the "logic" behind anti-weapons laws (what is a "weapon" but tool that some busy-body doesn't like) this type of protection may be the only legal defense available. ANY defense is better than
none>