MISwampDog

i just bought a new bow and i think that my research may help ya. if you are looking in the $300 dollar range, you can't beat the bear truth II. i didn't get one but my cousin did. i had a chance to shoot it. it is very smooth and forgiving. it zings arrows pretty fast too. mission bows are very good as well. also, check out the g5/ross line. they are making a stir here in michigan.

i decided to buy a darton as300. i am kinda partial because i fell in love with the darton line eight years ago. they are a little out of ur price range, but it's a great great great bow for the money.

if you live near a gander mountain, bass pro shop,or a cabelas they have "house bows". they are bows made for the company by known archery manufactorers....i think it's parker makes bows for gander mountain, and martin for bass pro...or something along those lines. good bows for the price.

one thing i can't stress enough, any bow that you find shoot first!!!! anyone can tell you what to get, but everyone is partial to one type of bow or another. you have to find one that fits you best. me personally i like the darton's but you may not like them. go to a reputabe archery dealer and shoot every bow (and if its a reputable place they'll let ya) that they have on the rack. if you find one that you love buy it. if it's out of ur price range a little, save up for a month or two and go back and buy that bow. this is your main equipment that you are going to use to bag that deer. don't let price make you settle for something that will work when you can get something that you love and fits you like a glove.

hope this helps...and i hope it makes sense. i just got off a 12 hour shift and i am a little tired. good luck. let us know what you decide.