PJ
With a package deal through a sports catalog, like Cabelas, or bass pro, you could get most all you need for $200-250. You will have fun!!!

archerdude
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get into archery, but it can get rather expensive; it's better to rent equipment if you can, since you might find that you do not really enjoy archery once you start... Not a good idea to spend money on something you are not going to use. A set of decent, well-made arrows can cost as little as $45/dozen ("no frills" arrows) and as much as $200/dozen (completely custom-made, uber-gorgeous arrows that really are not meant to be used unless you can afford to lose them). A good, usable bow can cost $5 at a garage sale - or $700 from a custom Bowyer. If you are set on buying the bequipment before you know whether or not you actually enjoy archery, I suggest you go for the least expensive stuff whenever possible. I have seen some very impressive archery done with "cheap" equipment. The "secret" is in getting well-made, but inexpensive equipment. Your height doesn't really matter, but your strength does. Go to the nearest "pro-shop" dealing with archery - preferably a store that allows you to try different bows, so you can find out which type/size work best for you. DO NOT allow them to sell you something just because THEY think you "need" it. The best shops are run and staffed by people who KNOW archery, and have been doing it long enough to have learned how to fit the equipment to the individual - and they know full well that it is ALWAYS up to the individual to decide what works for them. If you don't like the bow, if you are not comfortable with it for any reason, it will not work for you and your archery experience will not be enjoyable. While places such as Cabela's and Sportsman's Warehouse may have a large stock of archery gear, they are also in the business of selling things - and their main priority is ALWAYS making the sale. If you want to get unbiased information (as in "no pressure to buy something" information) as to what might work best for you, I suggest that you first go to where people regularly do archery: Public ranges. Reputable archery shops, where the staff knows what they are talking about, normally have an indoor public range. Here are some things which the shop's staff NEED to know: How to determine "draw length" and how to determine "draw weight" (important in selecting your arrows); the difference between various types of archery, such as "Traditional" and "Olympic" (yes, there really is a difference, just as recurve bows and compound bows are different); and above all, how to instruct the beginning archer. This is not an all-inclusive list, just some of the more important things. To become a better archer, once you have gotten into archery, watch those who are really good at it, and try to do what they do. You don't have to do things exactly the same way, though, since you are not going to be like them; what works for them might not work for you, but give it a try, anyway. If you need more information, just e-mail me and ask. I'll do what I can to help you. It's hard to show certain things such as "proper technique" through e-mail, but I will try.