[Mr. 16 gauge]

Larry;
By law, the shotgun has to be encased and unloaded while in the boat while traveling to/from the hunting spot. The parking area is rather desolate; no lights other than what you carry on your person, and surrounded by cattails and phragmites. Having heard stories of people being robbed while hunting (i.e. showing their weapon to people, ect), I just think it might be prudent to have "a little extra".
Also, there has been a heavy presence by the boarder patrol in recent years since 9/11 (we are just a stones throw away from Canada), and the rumor (and I have some stories from locals that I believe) is that, in addition to smuggling booze, cigarettes, and drugs, some of the native Canadians are smuggling in individuals from China.
Finally, some of the duck hunting brethern out there are a bit on the scarey side, i.e. they are somewhat violent, and wouldn't surprise me if they use controlled substances or meth.

Hence my wanting something concealable while duck hunting......