I've put this off for too long. Beebecl, in my opinion it was not a wise decision to take that shot. Apparently you have learned your lesson. It was not the distance that was wrong but the decision on the condition of the deer that was wrong. Crossbows are not shot guns, they are not used to wing shoot. May be and just maybe a very slow walking deer can be shot with any arrow but better to use a bleat or a grunt to stop it before tripping the trigger. I know I would but then again I shoot atleast a hundred birds a year and I would not shoot a deer at more than a dead slow pace and only if it were not alert! I will not be condemed for taking a deer at 38 yards that is absolutely calm feeding deer that is looking away. Please do not call anyone irresponsible for taking a deer in this situation. I suspect that the deer that you speak of was moving rather quickly. No matter how far it was, that shot would not be taken my myself or anyone else I associate with.
Please do not take me wrong, I am not berating you, I am merely clearing the air.