Does anyone know if rifle hunting deer is being considered in pistol calibers?

Not yet, but there's certainly no shortage of sleazy politicians here more than willing to write up some rifle legislation for any special interest group with a little coin.

I feel this will remain a shotgun slug state.

We do allow rifles for predator hunting etc...

Yeah, they will never allow rifles for deer hunting. I agree there is no need for it. I shoot a muzzle loader instead of a rifled shotgun. Shot my deer at 10 feet last season. Was farther down than it was away from the tree.