Holy Smokes! Thanks Paul for that in depth response.

I do indeed have a pro shop here that I can go to for advice, setup, arrows, etc...he just has NO stock right now. This is a small community and bowhunting was over long ago. I've gone to him to check draw length which is at 29" so I've only looked at ones adjustable in that area.

I was definitely considering getting both a compound and a recurve right now but I will take your advice and stick to one. The pro shop guy didn't think it was a bad idea to start on a recurve bow, whereas, you believe I should start with the compound. The bottom line is, I want to keep it simple! I used to shoot a recurve bow when I was a kid...nothing serious at all so I thought that would be a good place to start. One piece, wood, "instinctual" shooting, no need to worry about all these accessories and details. And when I do get a compound bow I'll head to the pro shop and have him help me out.

I can appreciate that most everyone on these archery boards want newcomers to get off on the right foot and be happy. I think that's great! I'm going hunting with a couple bowhunters next week so I'll pick their brains. lol, I just KNOW they're going to be dead-set against me getting a compound bow! Thanks again for the advice!