I would recommend a Kassai or Grozer for a begining bow.  The Kassai's are some of the most underrated bows out there.  They have a very narrow arrow pass (almost center shot)which allows for more accuarracy. They are also very stable.  Some models people complain about hand shock but I have not found that to be a probelm-especially with a heavy hunting arrow.  Grozer's have a better finish but the base models are wider at the arrow pass and can be harder to shoot.  I just got a Laminated Assyrian (from Grozer's Nomad Line) and the bow is fast, smooth and accurate.  The nice thing about an Asian style bow is the are all SMOOTH on the draw-even the short Turkish models.

I totally disagree about the thumb draw not lending itself to hunting situations.  The thumb draw is basically a "thumb lock" this allows you to "forget" about the arrow falling off while you are in a tree a stand or blind.  Once you get used to the thumb the follow through and draw can be adapted to ANY style of hunting situation.

i've heard the samick sage was a good starter bow for the money.get you a three rivers catalog.they have dirrerent bows of most styles.they have a horse bow and korean bow.they also have longbows and recurves.good luck,steve

i have a samick horsebow it is #50 @28" and it spits an arrow out real quick i got it new for $246 NZ dollars