I wish you luck as well Doc. I do hope you get to the point that you can eventually get back out there with a compound. However, do not rule the crossbow out either. It will still allow you to get out there in the woods in pursuit of those elusive whitetails.

As for a minimum ethical draw weight....tough call. When the time comes I would suggest ordering a 40-50 lb draw weight bow and shooting it between 38-40 lbs initially (assuming you normally shoot in the 60- 70 lb draw weight range). Then you can gradually increase the draw weight, over time and when appropriate, to something back in the more typical range for most adult male shooters. Most bows peak a few pounds above their peak draw weight anyhow.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.