An archery release aid, sometimes called a “mechanical” or “trigger” release, is designed to allow the archer to release the bow string without his or her fingers making direct contact with the string. The unit attaches to the string and the bow is fired by a push or pull of a trigger. They are commonly used with compound bows, but are also used with recurves and long bows.

Using a release will greatly reduce or eliminate the torque on the string compared to shooting with your fingers. This will allow the arrow to start and stay on a straighter arrow path for more consistent accuracy. There are several types available with each providing a different advantage to a specific archery style. The following explains each type and what they offer to fit your archery or bow hunting needs:

• Wrist or Caliper

  Attaches to your wrist with a strap and is held there by a rod or a rope. The jaws or "calipers" used to pull the bow string can be single or double jaw or ball-bearing mechanisms. They can be attached direct to the bow string or shot with a "D" loop. This type is most common for archery hunting because they are quick and easy to snap onto your bow string. The trigger is similar to a firearm and the index finger is used to release the string. Another benefit for archery hunting is all the draw weight is supported by the wrist, so you are able to keep your hands and fingers relaxed which reduces the chance of extra tension in the shot. In some releases, a wrap around glove is available that allows the hand to handle the pull weight and not just the wrist.

• Hand Held or Finger

  This type of release is often “T” shaped and held in your hand by 2 or more fingers. They are much smaller in size, lighter in weight and triggered by using back tension, your thumb, or your pinky finger. It is attached to the bow string with a rope loop or caliper and has a more responsive or sensitive trigger. This type of release is most common for target, 3-D or tournament shooting although it will also work well for bow hunting.

• Back Tension

  This type of release is much like the hand held but instead of pulling a trigger, the rotation of the device within your hand or relaxing the drawing hand while pulling rearward while aiming triggers the shot. This intricate release mechanism requires additional practice time to learn how to use effectively and is used more by shooters with extensive archery experience. This type of a release may not be a good choice for bow hunting.

• Automatic or Hydraulic

  These archery releases are available in wrist or hand held styles and they are the most expensive type of archery release. They are designed to fire at a pre set time that is activated when you start your draw and automatically releases at the set time. A safety switch is available if needed to prevent the release if necessary. These types of releases are not recommended for archery hunting or beginners.

Other factors to consider when choosing release aid are noise and comfort. Some archery releases create a “clicking” noise when attached to the string that would not be recommended for archery hunting. Bow hunting also requires long days in the woods or treestand and weather may be a factor so comfort is a must. If you are a target or tournament archer that shoots your bow frequently, you may want an archery release that will not wear down the serving on your string. A rope style release is a better choice than a caliper to prevent wear. To prevent wear on your hunting bowstring, a “D” loop is recommended and it will also prevent the string from “pinching” your arrow.

Some archers require more than one type of archery release for either target shooting or hunting but finding one type of release for all your archery needs will be easy by using this information. One final thing to consider is you may want an additional archery release to keep in your gear bag for bow hunting as a backup.