what to carry

[Wolfiesmith]

What do you see as the primary function of your chosen weapon? is it self defence or is it a hunting tool? If you prize stealth and anonymity and intend to hunt you may be best off with the crossbow. If it's for self defence and you're prepared to take the hit on noise then the shotgun would be better. If you intend to use traps and other methods for hunting then again I'd take the shotgun. It very much depends on how you intend to operate and what you decide the main function of the weapon is.