the benefits to a recurve are simple and no draw length, just get a weight he can EASILY handle. The downside to a recurve(and advantage to a compound), is arrow speed, penetration, can use a sight/release and it will probably look like yours, and easier to get accurate and consistent (though I have found kids have a natural knack for instinctive shooting.)

as for hunting, he's probably to young to bowhunt, check state regs for minimum weight etc. Also with my sons, who both gun hunt, I have told them they are welcome to bowhunt whenever they want, but they have to prove to me they can hit what they shoot at, which means to us, 20 yards at our 3D target.