RE: How much to get started?
Matt,
Tazman and Dog are right on it..
Talk to the local bow shop or the sportsman club in your area. There are alot of guys that are looking to step up their equipment and are willing to sell what they have pretty reasonable. Most of the time they will sell the bow, arrows, broadheads and the case. The key is to find something that is comfortable. The broadheads and arrows are very important. I shoot with a release, but its not for everyone. Hopefully you have a hunting partner to shoot with, because it takes a lot of practice. Tazmans distance chart is a great way to tell your range.
Good luck, shoot straight