Hmm... I agree it is cruel. If it were say a grizzly bear or something as large as that, then sure use of a crossbow could be a good thing, if you miss or it's not a killshot ur screwed XD alot fairer than using a gun XD. As sinbad said "Elk a dangerous animal God knows we gotta get them before they get us, I say use a bow and arrow against a bear, if you miss we don't see you no more"
Badly misquoted I know but you get the general idea.