I've had plenty of issues with deer jumping the string with an x-bow. Because of this, I prefer 20 yards or less. I would shoot out to 25 if the deer was completely relaxed. But I shoot an older bow at 260 fps or so. I can shoot accurately to 35 - 40 yards and made the mistake early on of thinking that meant I could shoot deer that far. Well after a few misses and poor hits, I learned better....