I started this year because of a shoulder injury. I bought an entry level Horton Summit 150. I was surprised that the accuracy is still very much dependant on my ability. The speed of my arrow is 260 fps on a good day, much slower than a good compound. I have shot accuratly to 40 yards at targets but hold to no more than 30 with the Horton as the arrow is slow and the bow is loud even after my attemps to silence it (which probably cost me a few FPS). I hunt from a ground blind or from a stool in the brush fully camoed. I shot my first 7 pointer this year at less than 20 yards standing on my hind legs as I still hunted to my ground stand. I was like most and thought that a crossbow gave me some magical advantage. I see two small advantages, one, learning curve, very short even for gun novices (you still need woods craft to hunt), two, not having to draw with an animal in view, minimal as the chance to recock for a second shot is about nil. I hope this helps with your thoughts about challenge. I am saddened to hear so many myths when I try to explain to my hunting buds that I enjoy this way of hunting, they act like I am using a lightning bolt stolen from the Gods, but after a few minutes they realize it is no better or worse than any other way to harvest fair chase game.