In my area of NY it's shotgun or muzzleloader only for gun season. Then their is an extended muzzleloader/bow at the end of the regular gun. Up until last year you couldn't have a scope on your muzzleloader for late season. The late season is supposed to be for primitive weapons, a single shot smoothbore shot gun with-out a scope are more primitive then the muzzleloaders of today. In fact I've seen ads that say basically "hey slug gunners want to increase your range, try this" Why did NY change the law $$, plain and simple.

I know a few guys that hunt with their muzzle loaders during regular season for one reason,to increase their kill zone. The fact that you only have one shot is not that big of a concern for them either. They don't miss that much.
I'll have to read the whole editoral and get back to you.