RE: 40 yard shot
Not exactly sure what you want people to respong to. Are you looking for people to say it's ok to take 40 yard shots at deer?
If so - Only you can make the decision to shoot...don't shoot. Every situation is different, I have had deer at 10 yards that I couldn't shoot. You will get a bunch of guys telling you the distances that they shoot. Bottom line - you are the one that will be releasing the arrow at an animal. Do you feel 100% confident in that shot?
Personally I don't feel comfortable at that range....so I don't take that shot.