ive successfully harvested deer with compound, crossbow and gun. AND successfully missed with all three at some time. they all have pros and cons. i hunt in ohio where it is legal in archery season. ive been hunting with my x-bow for 2 years now in a result of a football injury in high school (right shoulder) that was 6 years ago. just couldnt pull a compound back like i used too. i say hunt with whatever your choice of weapon (legal) is and have a safe and fun time doing it.