I dont know what it is for limits in your area, but i agree with the previous posters. in the case of minimum poundage, check your state limits, around here its 40, and that will easilly drop a dear from 20 yards with the right shot placement. But if your state regulation is too much for you, i would suggest crossbow.

and, if worse comes to worse: try muzzleloader or shotgun. i personaly prefer bow, but from what ive heard, its easier kill, with much less strain on your body. depending on how long youve shot bow, it can cause major wear and tear, far, far less than that of a gun.

hope ive helped ya, and good luck with ur unfortunate situation