In general what is the legality of hunting deer with a short barrel shotgun/rifle in states where possession of registered SBS/SBR are legal. For example, a 14" 12ga shotgun would be pretty handy in a blind.

Of course we're also talking about an SBS that's properly registered with the ATF and then also otherwise compliant for hunting (ie: in Ohio, shotgun/rifle capacity is only 3 shots total).

Legal in ky.

Kind of a grey area last I read the ORC and OAC that contains the hunting regs.

For deer gun season, you are allowed a shotgun, handgun, or rifle in a strait wall caliber, I'm sure you know, but those are how it's described in the section of the OAC that pertains to the Dept. of Wildlife.

The rub is that under Ohio Revised Code, SBSs and SBRs are defined as "Dangerous Ordinance", not legally the same as "Rifles" or "Shotguns" in our legal code.  So an argument could be made that dangerous ordinance is not permitted for taking deer, but there really isn't anything definitive I'm aware of that sets it apart since its a discrepancy between the definition in the Revised Code (codified laws) and the Administrative Code (rules written by the ODNR in this case).

For what it's worth, Silencers are also considered dangerous ordinance here, and it took an addition to the ORC to specifically call them out as allowed for use while hunting.

It will vary from state to state, and maybe from hunting zone to zone. State or local laws may have definitions of SBS, or other firearms that vary from federal law. Honestly, it's best to thoroughly read the hunting regulations for the area you intend to hunt. In my state, SBSs are, AFIK, gtg for game ( unsure about waterfowl, probably not suited for waterfowl anyway).

Grey area in OH.

Illegal in IN, just went through that.

About a year ago I asked our game warden this same question except for rabbit. (I like to hunt in heavy brush). Was told it's a no-no.
Maybe some things changed since then.

@p3590

What happened in your situation?

Did he cite any regulations or rulings?

I'd think anything 18" and over would be legal. IDK about shorter lengths, but I wouldn't take the chance unless something definitive were to turn up stating otherwise. There is a federal law that makes shotgun barrel lengths of under 18" illegal. I wouldn't think any state law or lack thereof to the contrary would render the federal law null and void.