Stans advice is not bad. Recoil is a force to be reckoned with.

Ive got a lot of time in hunting pheasants, a lot of time on snowshoes, and plenty of time (maybe too much) hunting birds on snowshoes. In that endeavor, I prefer a LONG light weight gun. I have a folding single shot hammerless, 30 barrel and 46 points of choke, that doubles as a balance pole when I am on snowshoes. Truth be told, Ive never needed a second shot on snowshoes. I have enough trouble getting one shot off, and, if I do, maintaining balance on what is always a questionable footing. I have had times where a grouse erupted from a snow burrow, between the tips of my snowshoes. I have never gotten a shot off at one that did this.

A Darne could be a gun for that work. I guess if I hear of one that comes close to what you say you are looking for, Ill give a heads up, here.

Good luck.

Best,
Ted