Do some good research before you go looking. Make sure you know your drawlength. Use the wingspan method to get it right. One thing about a compound bow. If the drawlength isn't righ then the rest of the bow doesn't matter. To figure drawlength measure your wingspan. Divide this by 2.5 and you should be close. You should be right around 28" to 28.5". Oh, and by the way, most bows are slightly longer than what they are marked so begin your search with a 28 incher.

OK, now the weight. No matter what you can draw comfortably you don't need much more than 60lbs. That's enough for anything on this continent---anything. Heavier can be nice, but you are trying to learn what to buy, and then how to use it. It's much better to shoot 60lbs accurately than more inaccurately. By shooting less weight you will be able to handle the bow better, learning how to perfect shooting form without struggling with the bow. You'll also be able to shoot longer and more often developing the right muscle memory to do the job on auto-pilot when you decide to go hunting.

Here again, 60lbs might be too much. Most bows are adjustable down 10lbs from their maxed out weight, which is what is marked on the bow. You don't need to buy an expensive bow. Mid range is fine, or whatever your pocketbook says. Buy better accessories, as they can move to the next bow when the time comes you would get a new bow.

OK, that's enough for now. Go to some local shops and look at bows. It's gotta feel good in your hand or put it back on the rack. Shoot a lot of them before buying. Compare each against the other. The reason to buy from a pro-shop is that you'll get better help and service along with it. The only people who should be buying from the K-Marts are guys who know what they are doing. And we don't go there because we know what kind of junk they carry.