My fishing partner has gotten us permission to hunt a large south Texas ranch this fall. The catch is that we can only bow hunt. I can't pass up the chance to hunt big south Texas whitetail bucks, but I haven't bow hunted in probably 15 years. I don't feel like I need a top of the line bow for this one hunt, but I don't want a piece of junk either. Can someone recommend a decent bow in the $600-$700 range?

Buy a used two or three year old bow. Then go to a bow shop and get help tuning it for you.

I shoot a 2007 Hoyt Ultra Mag. I think all tricked out with whisker biscuit, stabilizer, etc. I have $500 in it. That thing will drill tacks right with my dads $1000 Matthews. He even likes the feeling of it better. Very stable, very comfortable, reliable bow.

I agree with the used bow idea.  There are guys that HAVE to buy the newest gear every year.  Their old bows are what you should look for.  Check the archery stores for used deals often.  The shops around here are always turning over used gear.  I miss bowhunting in NY state.  No urge to do it here in FL    I'd rather go bass fishing. 

I love bow hunting. If you can still find one, get a Diamond Justice by Bowtech. They stopped making them last year, but they are a great bow. Cabelas had them in their bargain cave not to long ago.

No affiliation to the seller, but this looks like a good deal and is in your price range.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hoyt-Vectrix-XT500-Compound-Bow_W0QQitemZ170441399512QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27af195cd8

I'm an avid bowhunter, but cannot afford a $600 + bow. My Parker has kept the freezer full and got me into P&Y, albeit just once.

If I were to spend that $$ it would be Mathews or Hoyt. Period. Haven't seen any of the new BowTech models or AR's.

One thing to consider when buying used is knowing your draw length.  When looking at bows, make sure they have enough adjustment to fit your bow length.  Having to change out cams, wheels, strings and cables can get really expensive.

I have some experience shooting a bow...about 35 years now. My recommendation to you is to go to a reputable dealer and shoot the bows you are interested in. One bow in particular will feel like it is made for you. Don't just pick them up and hold them, you need to shoot them. During this process, the dealer should be working with you on your draw length and a reasonable draw weight. Find the bow for you and then decide when and where you are going to purchase. It is well worth the money to go to a trained pro shop than to purchase a bow off the internet, thinking you are saving a hundred or two, only to find out the bow doesn't fit you. If the draw length and draw weight do not work for you, you will never shoot as accurately as possible. And if you are going to be hunting, you owe it to the animals to make your most accurate, humane shot.

I have some experience shooting a bow...about 35 years now. My recommendation to you is to go to a reputable dealer and shoot the bows you are interested in. One bow in particular will feel like it is made for you. Don't just pick them up and hold them, you need to shoot them. During this process, the dealer should be working with you on your draw length and a reasonable draw weight. Find the bow for you and then decide when and where you are going to purchase. It is well worth the money to go to a trained pro shop than to purchase a bow off the internet, thinking you are saving a hundred or two, only to find out the bow doesn't fit you. If the draw length and draw weight do not work for you, you will never shoot as accurately as possible. And if you are going to be hunting, you owe it to the animals to make your most accurate, humane shot.

There isn't anything worse than hitting an animal and having it get away.

I've got a bowtech allegiance I'll sell you for $500.  70lb, right hand,  I think its a 08 model.   I've got good sights and a good stabilizer on it.  I dont remember the brand though.

Thanks for all the advise everyone! I went to an archery shop and checked out a few bows and I'm actually considering a recurve. I know it will limit my range even more than a compound, but I liked the feel and it just seems like a lot of fun.