RE: Recurve or Compound??
Personally, I would start with a compound, that is if money permits. I like to use my compound for deer hunting and my recurve for rabbit hunting and fishing. It all depends on what you intend on doing and how you like to do it. My brother likes long bows and will shoot nothing else.
When choosing, try some out. You will find recruves are harder to hold because of the stack, no let off. recurves are also slower, generating less force. But agian it all depends on what you do and how you want to do it. Its like the debate about fingers or release. Its all personal pref.. I would recomend trying them both out.
A compound is more expensive, but you can find a very good bow just a couple of years old, for half the price. Look on e-bay or at the used bows at your pro. shop.