I've seen scope position severely compromised, or just plain wrong by trying to maintain fixed sights on a rifle. See through mounts, side mounts, high mounts all contribute to an inferior hunting rifle situation.
My best advice: A scope is the best sighting system you can put on a rifle. Everything else should be the compromised system. Mount a scope properly with detachable mounts, lining up perfectly when the rifle is mounted with the eyes closed. If you want to hunt in bad conditions when scopes are ineffective, get another rifle to use with a sighting system that is better in those conditions and leave the scoped rifle home.
If you fear that your scope might be damaged, putting your rifle out of action, buy a cheap scope/rings to serve as a spare on a major hunt. They don't take so much room that it's impossible to have one available. Another good bet when on a multi-day hunt: a Bushnell Mini Red Dot, already sighted in. A person could carry one in their pack and not even be aware of the weight or bulk.