Tickles me how all the anti-crossbow fanatics claim crossbows are a 100 yard weapon. I've been crossbow hunting for several years and have a crossbow I can consistantly shoot better groups than with most of my muzzleloaders at 50 yards. My MAXIMUM range on a deer shot is 30 yards, and I prefer them even closer (like 10 yards or less). I've watched a buck at 31 yards drop 5 or 6" by the time an arrow traveling 260 fps got there. My crossbow gets around 300 fps, and I still like to keep shots well under 30 yards.
BTW - forget trying toquiet a crossbow, get close, real close, and make the twangggggg of the string the last sound he hears.
If the noise bothers you - get a good set of ear plugs.