50lbs would probably be ok....... Lighter would be more ideal for a beginner, but I know how you feel.... You hate to get a bow that you can't hunt with....... The weight will be rough for a few weeks, but you will soon adapt and be able to pull it with ease.... These things take time.... I suggest spending a lot of time on message boards such as these reading and asking questions......stickbow.com and tradgang.com..... It will take time..... You might be ready for elk in the fall of 2007, but that also may be pushing it..... I practice almost every day.... I'm just now at the point that I would have no reservations taking a 20yds shot at any animal.... It's taking me a tad over a year...... But I've spent countless hours watching video's and reading books on form..... It all boils down to form.... You need to get up close and spend A LOT of time working on your shot..... 20yds will seem unattainable until you have a good consistent form....... Read books on back tension..... Learn it, practice it...... Do exercises to develop a steadybow arm...... Practice, practice, practice...... I suppose it's a lot like golf, which I don't play, but you have to practice regularly to perform at the top level...... Good luck..... If you fully dedicate yourself to shooting trad, you will NEVER pick up a compound again..... It's unbelievable how good you feel about a perfect 25yd shot......