I have to admit I am finding myself siding with similar views to BigJ. The only point we really differ -
So what season? I wish there could be a way to separate them but I feel it would cause too much fighting because some group would have to give up some days and I can't see that happening. In some states it might work, but most no. The only logical one for me is the archery season if not for any other reason than a crossbow is not a firearm.
and we come to our reasoning by almost the same exact path. The reason I feel crossbows should have thier own season is that a crossbow is not a bow. Similar yes, but different. They should be allowed to hunt, and should be managed as their own line of weapons, and here's why.
The crossbow is also evolving as bows are. Some crossbows utilize cams similar to compounds to create extra energy and some use limbs similar to traditional. The laws that manage archery season are all bow centric, draw weight minimums, legal sights and others. As crossbows evolve they WILL require their own unique rules and laws to govern them, such as multiple bolt firing crossbows, remote controlled firing and others we haven't even imagined. They will be unique to crossbows and should be managed that way. I do think crossbows should be legal to hunt with, and they are in many states. I agree with the majority that does not consider them legal archery gear, but they should have similar access as their weapon does not differ much in effectiveness. Today most states have 3 "types" of seasons .. Archery, MuzzleLoader and Firearms, and in many states these overlap. Since they can overlap, we can fit 1 more and keep all reasonably happy.
One last point .. I agree with Data that compounds are a much better weapon to hunt with than crossbows. While he grossly over states how easy they are to master, with consistent practice and good shooting form they are an awesome weapon. I shot my recurve better due to the form I worked so hard on with my compound. But...
your "truck analogy" was HORRIBLE. Comparing GMC's to Ford's as being the same as bows and compounds was funny. I think comparing a truck and station wagon may have been better. They are different but do a similar thing, and from insurance and licencing perspective are different, but still will get your groceries home. Of course you know the crossbow is the station wagon!