I have hunted in a lot of thick forest. The long barrel is not a hinderance. I will take less muzzle blast and more velocity every time. The “need” for a short barrel is nothing but the perception of the user. If it makes you feel good, then use a short one.

You did not "seen" anything, you "saw" it.
A "creek" has water in it, a "crick" is what you get in your neck.
Liberals with guns are nothing but hypocrites.