Fantastic looking gun
I bet it balances well and handles well for it's weight

On the topic of rules and cartridge size, for hunting and field use around the state with shotshells, you can run a chamber adapter and use 10 gauge ammunition

Problem solved
Go hunting

Doesn't completely solve the shot and ball question, but I'd be looking at the language of the law to see if the regulation is solely written to govern shotshell use
Depending on the language, solid ball in 8-bore might actually be ok