My favourite and main hunting rifles are all short barrel,
In NZ I have a finlight 7-08 chopped to 17", with a overbarrel suspressor, and carbine 30-30 lever, these get used heavy bush country, a 7x57 or .358 with 22" barrels if in areas were I expect longer 250m shots are expected. Or likely.
In Canada.
I really like my mannlicher, 1903 in 6.5x54, carry it a lot, 18.5" carbine,
Have a set of new barrels for my double rifle, on order in 7x57R 18.5".
I think it's going to depend, on the type of hunting you do, and the kind of country your hunting in, I like being in the bush, and walking/stalking, so a carbine, short barrel is good in tighter cover.