Here in Michigan, sometimes shotgun is the only thing that makes sense. If you are in the brush a rifle would be really difficult to use. Depending on area, most deer are taken at under 75 yards. Really hard to deny the advantage of the slug/buckshot combo over rifle at those ranges/conditions.
Below M-46 <A state highway about half way up the mitten> only shotgun is allowed, anyway.
I have not hunted for years, but am thinking on re-establishing my male right to do so :{)
Venison jerky RULES! And that shoulder roast I did a while back was great, too.
Oh, as far as fire power..
Remington 870 Wingmaster in 20 Ga Skeet and Imp. cylinder barrels
1903 Springfield sporterized bolt 30-06
1893 Spanish Mauser action 8MM <With bayonet, just in case..heh>