Ok, here's my situation. My wife is due with our second child 3 weeks before opening day of rifle season in MO. I know, poor planning. I have decided to archery hunt this year instead. It has been 20 years since I have archery hunted, and I always used my dad's second hand bows. All I've ever shot has been PSE (with the exception of my Bear fiberglass stick bow I got when I was 8). I have wanted to get back into archery hunting for awhile, mostly to avoid the crowds out here in CO during Elk season. It will be used for both whitetail and elk (for starters). Since I am 10-15 years removed from the "scene", I need some help catching up. I have a budget of up to $500 to get started. I would like that to include bow + accessories. I would suspect the Mathews, Bowtechs and Hoyts are out of the question, which is fine. I want a proficient hunting setup, I don't need to the best of the best. Could I get some suggestions for a good hunting setup in that price range?

I haven't bought a bow in a long while, so don't have any first hand knowledge to share. BUT - I would probably go to the Cabela's catalogue and pick out one of their package deals that includes bow, sight and maybe some arrows. A mid-pricerelease if you want one and you have the basics.
You can spend hundreds (many) trying to get the best sights, rest, release, silencers, etc, etc - But you can get a good bow that will kill deer and elk for a whole lot less.
One other option that I have - and you may also - is to go to a local sporting goods store that takes bows in on trade for the guys who always want the latest and greatest. These places usually have some real good deals on used equipment - and they may also have a range where you can try a few out to see how they fit you before buying.
A lot of "used" bows haven't really been used very much.

That's my 2 cents worth - and what I'd do.

PSE Nova all set up for about $300 - 350, all you need is arrows and a release.

Lancaster Archery has them on sale right now for $200!!!

try huntersfriend.com they got alot of diffrent set ups,

Check out the Reflex line of bows, same as a Hoyt, just a different name and about a year behing Hoyt design.

I just my first bow it is Reflex Highlander. I love it!

Hey Fillae

you might want to check the classifieds forums, theres a guy by the name of ROGER something.
He has a PSE FIRESTORM with everything on it.

You've got a lot of options. PSE, Martin, reflex, parker, and probably some others all should a bow & accessories in you price range. All it takes is a little shopping around.

I would agree with the Reflex line. My hunting partner just bought a highlander and so far so very good for the money.

Tim

I shoot a Reflex Excursion that we got at Cabela's in Fort Worth last year as a package (quiver, sight, and arrow rest -- two prongs, lots of noise). With the release, a whisker biscuit, and a peep added to it plus the arrows I still came out under $500.00. And I love the bow!

But the archery shop for used bows is a great idea also because my husband bought his Hoyt bow from a friend who was going to trade it in when his new bow came in. The bow is in excellent condition and was fully rigged out with sight, quiver, rest, etc. We were excited to find it because hubby is left handed and finding a used left handed bow is not easy. And we got it for a fraction of the cost (paid a little more than he was going to get from the shop but that was fair).

Good luck and congratulations on the little one to be!
Shannon