I am going out on a limb here, but I live in North Central WA, Okanogan Co. I know MANY people here who regularly greet strangers with shotgun in hand (pointed at the ground)
Personally, I prefer my 6" Colt in a holster, but if there is a real stranger (have no idea where he came from or who he is), I will guarantee there will be something on my hip. You also have to consider now, we live almost 50 miles from the Sheriff's office and 20 miles from the nearest town.
Nobody I know of has ever gotten in trouble here for doing so, shotgun or holstered sidearm. This whole area is know for that type of greeting.
Now, would I personally walk out into my yard with my shotgun, in say Seattle? No, I do not trust the cops or the politicos in Seattle. Okanogan County, yes, Seattle, no way.
BTW: Most of the "trespassers" I have encountered here are lost hunters that leave quickly when shown the way back to the NF. After all, they don't want to get in trouble with F&W.