I'd agree : fit the bow to your price
 

And if you're real picky about stuff, you can take up dominoes.

PSE always seemed to come up with an adequate bow under $500.

And remember there are a lot of accessories that add on to the basic bow price.
It's a lot like buying a new vehicle and then finding out you need to buy the tires and the steering wheel separately.

Athens if you can find them.

shoot a couple Mission bows you will be pleasantly surprised!

I have shot alot of the 2010 model bows this year and the best bow for the $ is the PSE Vendetta XS. They are $599+tax new and I picked it over the Mathews Z7($799), Hoyt Maxxis 31($749), Rytera Alien-X($699), Bear Attack($749), ect. It is easy to get over $1000 in a 2010 model bow by the time you get a rest, sights, quiver, wrist sling, peep, ect. not counting your arrows and a release.

If your looking to get everything to try out bow hunting without a big price tag try a newer used bow. I have an 08 Diamond Rock loaded with everything you need to shoot including arrows and a release that I would make you heck of a deal on. It is listed in the archery classifieds on here. There's nothing wrong with it I just got a new 2010 Vendetta. Its 29in draw thats changeable with mods you can change with an allen wrench(no press needed) 60-70lb adjustable draw weight. If your interrested just pm me and I will make you a deal to get you started. Here is a link to see the exact bow specs. http://www.diamondarchery.com/bow_rock.php

The best advise is (always) shoot everything you can. Find out what feels good and fits you well. Then you can find that in your price range with a bit of time, patience, and computer work. Good luck.

I have owned/shot a bow a while ago, but would still consider myslef a beginner, especially for hunting. I have seen many responses to similar posts saying to shoot them all and choose by best feel. If I am just starting out, how would I know what feels good? Can someone offer any more detailed advice as to what to expect or look/feel for? Or maybe refer to another more detailed buying guide source?

There is not much to it. You will notice the balance, vibration, draw and other factors right a way. It's a lot like golf. Some clubs just feel better than others. Shooting as many bows as you can, will help you see the difference on the bows. There will be a bow or 2 that just fits you well, feels good and shooters better than other for you. Good luck.

the Mission Voyager is a awesome shooting bow!!

lol! I don't play golf, so that doesn't work for me either. But, I do get what your saying and have also read even more after posting my reply. There's a lot of good info out there. Thanks for the good pointers.

PSE Bow Madness XL. It is the sweetest shooting bow I have erver shot.