I agree with BC that it's going to take some time to figure out what you like in a bow. Max energy won't be a big concern for birds and small game. Longer bows are more forgiving, to a point. If you draw 27 on a compound, most likely you will draw a little less on a trad bow.

If you can find one, I'd go with a cheap used bow to get a feel for it first, then move on to a custom if the urge hits. Most will be marked at 28", so just subtract approx. 3# per inch for every inch you draw under 28". Start out light--again, you won't need that much energy for small game, and with a light bow you will learn faster, shoot longer, and enjoy it more.

I wouldn't start out with an all wood bow--most selfbows aren't very forgiving, aren't as durable as a laminated bow, and require some extra attention. An old Pearson, Bear, Shakespeare, Root, etc. will serve you well and give you a better idea of what to look for in your next bow (there's always a next bow).

Gather up as much information as you can from sites like this. There's gobs of of opinion as well as solid information on the web--the trick is being able to discern good info. from...........well, not so good info.

Chad