RE: picking a bow
Ditto on the bowhunting forum suggestion. If I still had my moderator powers I would just put this over there. On the other hand, until one of them does, to give you a specific suggestion, try the PSE Nova. It is probably the most widely owned bow, ever. The reason is simple. PSE has had it in their lineup for at least 8 or 9 years now in one form or another. It is relatively inexpensive at around $200 bare bow and yet you still get a machined aluminum riser and the same PSE limbs that they use on many of their midpriced and higher end bow. Its overall design lends itself to be very forgiving because of the longer axle to axle and long brace height and most of the cam designs offered on it are very adjustable.
Hope this helps somewhat.