The ability to brace a weapon against a tree or log, align scope crosshairs on an animal's chest, use no physical effort to impart potential energy on your projectile, and (with the exception of the index finger) remain totally motionless to execute a shot at game are abilities afforded only to stocked, preloaded weapons. They are certainly not afforded to archery equipment.

Centerfire rifles, shotguns, flintlocks, in-lines, and cross-bows are not weapons that belong in a season that ARCHERS established for ARCHERS to enjoy extra time in serene woods to hunt game. Though crossbows share the same basic spring-propultion idea as conventional bows, they are NOT bows and cannot be considered "close enough" to qualify as such. Sorry, but if you want to enjoy extra time in the woods...learn to shoot an actual bow and deal with the same limitations like the rest of us. If you insist on a crossbow, then use it in the general big game season where it belongs.