The reason many look down on crossbows and shotguns is because of people doing exactly what you want to do. They don't want to put any real effort into it or take the time to learn to be proficient with the weapon they want to hunt with. They just want to buy it, shoot it a few times and go hunting. Then they get all upset when they miss, wound and lose deer.

If you do decide to hunt archery season I would suggest a bow over a cross bow. I have owned both and once you get the hang of shooting a bow I think they are better than a cross bow. The only real advantage you gain with a cross bow is not having to draw on the deer, because the cross bow will lock at full draw. And to be honest it isn't much harder to draw on a deer than it is to pick up and aim a cross bow, at least if you learn to do it right. You should be able to lift your bow and draw on an animal in one smooth motion. They do have an advantage in power as well in some cases, but depending on your size maybe not in the price range you are thinking of. They have a lot of draw weight, but have a very short power stroke so they really are not that efficient.

A cross bow will still take practice. You can't just go buy one, sight it in and not touch it until season starts. While you don't have to worry as much about form and anchor points they are still a bit tricky to shoot accurately. You have to draw them the same way every time and they still have limited range. This means you need to practice and get to know your weapon and what YOU can do with it. Not to mention cross bows tend to be heavy, loud, cumbersome to carry and aim and usually more expensive for a good one. Not that bows are cheap, but I think for the money you are thinking of spending you could get a better bow than you could a cross bow.

My honest opinion is if you don't want to put the effort into doing it right then you should just skip archery season. Just stick with gun season if you have success with that. At least until you can devote the time needed to learn how to hunt with either weapon well. The reason you see less bow hunters is because it is harder and some just don't want to mess with it. Although I have seen plenty of slob bow hunters that don't practice and can't hit the broad side of a barn at 30 yards with a range finder. But you don't want to be one of those guys do you?

I also feel once a week would be enough time to learn to shoot either as long as you gave yourself enough time to do it. Like until next season. Especially if you had someone that could help you. Lessons never hurt either.

My opinions anyway.

Paul