Look in the phone book for a archery store. Not walmart or the like but a pro shop. Go in there and ask the same questions and also tell them what you want to do IE> hunt deer , elk Or target. They will set you up with what you need and show you how to use everything and when you come out of there you will be ready to practice till your arms fall off. If you plan on hunting next fall shoot every day at least as much as you can and you will be suprised at how fast you will learn. As for brands of bows They are all pretty good If you can afford a solo cam get it. I shoot a Mathews but these days they all shoot good.