I have had a go at hunting whitetail with a cross bow in Canada. In the whole of North America the demand for bow hunting and all the kit that goes with it is huge. Its a multi billion pound a year industry!! They have very short firearm seasons, typically two weeks per year, but bow season tends to be about three months. I have seen videos of hunters taking big game with the cross bow including elaphant and hippo!! Bear in mind any ethical hunter would only take a shot at 30 yards or less and you can imagine the adrenalin rush and the field craft required to get so close to your quarry. On the humane side a well placed arrow through the lung area kills on blood loss and collapse of the lungs. The animal basically drowns in its own blood. I had a conversation with a Canadian bow hunter who told me that he shot a whitetail buck with his cross bow, the deer ran from the field, turned , came back into the field and started feeding again, then simply fell over dead. There are many deer, elk, moose and bears taken with bows and crossbows in north america every year. Is it ethical? They seem to think so. The crossbows are fitted with a telescopic site which helps acuracy, most times the arrow will punch straight through the animal. They use expanding broad heads which leave a good blood trail. I didnt manage to get close enough with the bow to take a shot, but have taken two whitetails with the muzzleloader. They are very challenging to hunt. Interestingly in Cananda they are not allowed to hunt at night so my friends over there think its strange that we dont allow bow hunting hear but can shoot vermin under the lamp!!