Lefty, I don't know much about crossbows so I can't give you any help there and frankly I don't care what tool you use when hunting as along as yu use it safely and have a good time. That is what hunting is about.

You asked about lefthand bows for $250. They're out there you just need to keep you eyes open. My brother and I both shoot lefthanded and he just bought a used 2004 Mathews Q2 w/ all the attachments for $275 at the PA sportsmen show. My wife has a standing order to watch out for LH bows at yard sales. So far I have 6 compunds and 5 recurves. One was a Black Widow for $35 .