After reading some of the responses I think I might share my opinion of the proposed changes.
1. Crossbows:
I must admit that I like the idea of the currently proposed crossbow inclusion into the various deer seasons. This quote:
Under the commission's proposal, hunters using crossbows during the early muzzleloader or late flintlock seasons would have to purchase a muzzleloader stamp in addition to their general hunting license. Crossbow hunters in the post-Christmas flintlock season would be allowed to take either an antlered or antlerless deer with their unused antlered deer tag, just like other flintlock hunters.
...is the primary reason why I like it. I definitely do not plan on using a crossbow during the regular centerfire rifle season. However, I do plan on buying one so that I may use it for the after Christmas hunt.
I have always hunted the late season with a bow and have refused to purchase a flintlock simply because of personal preference with one weapon over the other. In other words, I would rather have a shorter effective range than have to worry about keeping powder dry. At the same time I have also refused to buy a percussion or inline muzzleloader because the only time I would probably really use it is during the early October muzzleloader season. In that instance I would only be able to shoot does. So, what good does it do me if a nice buck walks out in front of me and I have this wonderfully effective weapon that I cannot use?
Obviously, a crossbow does not really give me any advantage in terms of range over a typical compound. However the fact that it can be precocked and can be used with a scope makes it somewhat of a "superior" weapon when it comes to getting close to game and shooting undetected...at least in my opinion. With these thoughts in mind and provided that proposal passes I will be buying a crossbow to use for the after-Christmas hunt.
As for DMAP...I agree with Mike. If it means opening up more opportunities to hunt on private land then I am all for it.