RE: longbows
Like was said, the compound will have you shooting fairly accurately at hunting distances in a relatively short time. If that is your desire, then the compound is the way to go. If you have the time and patience needed to master the longbow before getting the itch to hunt deer with it, then by all means go with the longbow.
Even though the compound will teach you the importance of good shooting form (as does the longbow) and it does shoot arrows quite accurately (as does the longbow), I don't think that starting with a compound is going to help you get ready for a longbow. Different weapon all together. The longbow is a much more versatile weapon than the compound and because of it's versatility, is actually a much better hunting weapon in my opinion.