RE: I'm thinking a recurve is superior.
There's nothing wrong with recurves, but I've had good success with a stripped downcompound and finger release. Don't know if your bow is suitable for that though. You'd likely need to change your rest, unless you shoot a whisker bisquit, which some guys shoot well with fingers.
But like I said, nothing wrong with recurves. I'd shoot a bow with enough weight for elk, say 65 lbs or so. A good fixed blade broadhead and an arrow with some mass will get the job done.