You may want to try the United Bowhunters of Missouri Organization for trad events in MO. There is also the Tennessee Classic,May 2/3/4 2008 in Clarksville Tn. I'm sure there are others as well.

If you are going to go the internet route, my advice would be to start off with something like a Bear, Shakespear, Red Wing, Chek-Mate, or something similar. Get your feet a little wet, so you can decide exactly what you want. More then likely you will not know at first. I'd also say that you should stay in the 45 pound at your draw area. You will more then likely not be drawing the same as your compound (probably around 1-2" shorter).