Well the fact that it shoots and arrow is enough to make me believe it is archery equipment, don't matter how fancy anyone wants to make a crossbow sound,it's still archery.
Don't know why this is an issue anymore sense it is going to be in Muzzleloader season not Bow so bow hunters should be happy, they already have to hunt with muzzleloader hunters, it ain't going to hurt to have a couple of crossbow hunters as well, No one probably thinks that gun hunters got to hunt with bow,muzzleloader,crossbow hunters, bow hunters are just being selfish and want the whole bow season to them selves. I am giving my opinion on the situation and respect everyone else's and hope you respect mine.