My advice would be to get a bow by the time it warms up next spring. Then you have all summer to practice, perfect your form, build up the proper muscles, etc. The more you shoot the better you will become and the fairer it is to your prey by making an accurate and ethical shot. I would also advise to make sure you buy your bow from a local pro-shop so you get set-up properly. If the bow doesn't fit you or is improperly tuned you will have nothing but trouble. Hand me down bows rarely ever fit the second owner and the mega-stores just don't have the time to spend with you to make sure everything is right and give you pointers to make learning easier. Surprisingly, the prices locally may be even better than the big stores as well.
Good luck and If you ever need any help feel free to drop me a PM.