For the first, I'd recommend checking your State laws to see what the minimum draw weight for big game is and go with it. I'd also recommend not getting anything less then about 64" in length. Maybe get to some shoots and check out some some used bows. I know here in NY at the Hawkeye shoot they had a bunch of used longbows. Some were real nice. I don't think I saw anything over about $400, and the norm was under $300. I'd also recommend staying with straight, mild or moderate reflex limbs.