Kevin, are you saying you feel the crossbow is a bow? I certainly hope not seeing its a rifle type stock, shoulder held, always cocked, fired by a gun type trigger mechanism, shoot bolts- not arrows, capable of using rifle type scopes. Its hardly even close to the whole concept of archery.
The way I see it if others want to enjoy the early season take the time to learn how to shoot archery equipment. Thats why Its called ARCHERY SEASON.
Sorry dude, a bolt or arrow propelled by a tensioned cord of any materials with propulsion provided by mechanical deflection (limbs) is by definition "archery". It is under historical context, current weapon classification. And look at the KE of a CB bolt (lighter than most longer arrows), and yes the CB does have higher poundage, but nut for nut bolt for bolt it is the same almost as a 95% LO Compound. Further more it is not a "riflestock" it is a CB stock, they have entirely different functions although shaped similar. Actually the "riflestock" came from a CB, and yes CB's are "primitive weapons".
You bowhunter need to stop with all the elitism and exclusions only for your little clubs, and allow everyone regardless of tool to get a deer and quit putting conditions on it. Hunting is hunting, and bowhunters DO NOT have the moral high ground on hunting, you just think you do.
BTW, the National Association of Archery Manufacturers classify "Crossbow" as "archery" and they build them.
I M with you Kevin1