My thought is with all the other options why would anyone want to use a shotgun? Give me a rifle or even a handgun any day over a shotgun.

Probably most guys are more comfortable (and accurate)using a shotgun over a handgun any day. Reason is most use both shotguns and rifles throughout the fall while in many areas handguns aren't popular or even permitted as hunting tools. As to which is more effective, I'll take the 12 ga slug over most handgun chamberings but theres nothing like the firepower of those 5 or 6 rounds in a revolver or a dozen or more rounds in a pistol.

Thanks but I'll take my .45-70 or .375 H&H at close range on a bear. Works every time.

Illegal here but dont do it anyway dumb way to hunt bears if you ask me.
30-06 for me like is always say one shot one kill.