Honestly - I'd hunt with the crossbow any day vs. the shotgun here in the shotgun/handgun only areas. I dislike shotguns greatly and prefer bowhunting no matter what. I don't care if I am 'handicapping' myself to a degree. I like the bow, and enjoy the challenge of getting close to my game and figuring out my plan of attack and strategy more than just going 'boom' and its over.
I know what you mean. I'm the same way. I'd imagine most everyone on this forum feels the same. BUT, for every one of us there are thousands more who could really care less. The vast majority of 'bowhunters' out there wouldn't so much as glance at a bow if they could use firearms instead. Could all of us hardcore bowhunters, put together, keep the entire archery industry going if bow seasons wound up being combined into firearms seasons? I don't see it.