In which situation is the shoulder carry appropriate?

The shoulder carry is most appropriate when there is someone in front of you because it allows for better control of the firearm while keeping it pointed in a safe direction. This carrying method keeps the muzzle elevated, minimizing the risk of accidentally pointing the firearm at someone or something unintended, enabling a good line of sight and safe awareness of your surroundings.

In other scenarios, such as hunting in open fields, the shoulder carry may not provide the best stability or convenience, particularly if you need to move quickly or traverse uneven terrain. When walking through thick brush, other carrying methods may be more suitable to avoid snagging the muzzle on obstacles or branches. While resting, it's typically safer to lay the firearm down or use a more secure hold rather than a carry method, which is meant for active movement and transport. Thus, the shoulder carry is specific to situations where maintaining awareness of others and safe handling of the firearm is paramount.