The potential benefits of a thumb release for archery and bowhunting

Over the last five years or so, the popularity of handheld thumb trigger-activated releases for hunting has significantly increased. Today, it’s common to attend a local club 3D shoot or spend an evening at the local range where you’ll see the majority of shooters using a handheld thumb release. The popularity seems to come by way of top-tier competitive shooters influencers who are almost all using a handheld thumb releases along with access to information and the benefits of shooting a handheld thumb release more readily available. With that, let’s talk about the potential benefits of thumb releases for archery and bowhunting.

Why you might want to consider a thumb release

Initially, I think a handheld release offers you a more natural, comfortable draw. With a wrist strap release, you pull from the wrist mostly as you draw, but a handheld thumb release feels more comfortable with the repeatability with it set in your hand. Secondly, and probably most importantly, I think a handheld thumb release offers a most consistent anchor point and repeatable feel. The reason is that you will split the pointer and middle finger knuckle of your release hand along your jawbone. That feeling, along with the string to the tip of your nose and the string to the corner of your mouth, builds a really consistent feel when I reach my anchor point. With a wrist strap style release, I can’t seem to feel that fit as easily and I struggle to find the exact anchor point every single time. Certainly, with a lot of practice that would work itself out, but I do think the anchor with a handheld thumb release is more repeatable. Third, I believe a thumb release is easier to shoot with slow building tension as I relax through the bicep, forearm and wrist while increasing tension slightly through my rhomboid. Overall, it feels like I can control and execute a smoother release and I have fewer situations where I’m tempted into punching the trigger, which can lead to issues with flinching or freezing and not even being able to get the pin on the target. Lastly, most thumb trigger releases can be latched onto the D-loop and you can hang it there until you are ready to draw and shoot. In a hunting situation, that’s been beneficial when I’ve needed to range an animal or use an external reed cow elk call. For treestand hunters, you can simply hang your bow on a hook with the release already attached and you are that much quicker and quieter in being able to draw and shoot.

Best thumb release designs should have these features, in my opinion:

With that, let’s look at the features I think a quality thumb trigger release should have. 

Full hook retention

I already discussed a bit; however, for hunting purposes, I would suggest a handheld thumb trigger release that allows you to put the release onto your D-loop and lock it there into place so it will hang from your D-loop. Some handheld thumb releases have open hook designs, which I do not think are ideal for hunting situations. Being able to hang the release from the D-loop allows you to use your draw hand prior to the shot to range an animal, make a call or even keep your hand warm in a pocket until you are ready to shoot. Hanging the release on the D-loop reduces the amount of time and, potentially, the noise required to hook up a wrist strap style release or an open hook design. 

Ability to add a wrist strap or lanyard

If there is a con to a handheld thumb release, it’s that it’s not attached to you and I have been guilty of having a release fall out of a bino pouch or setting it down and walking off without it. I’ve never lost one, but I’ve had to do some backtracking a time or two. Typically, I carry my thumb release in my front pocket of my pants and I am hyper aware of it being there. Some people prefer to have a handheld release that has a wrist strap and tether to eliminate the possibility of losing it. Some people will attach a lanyard to the release so they can wear that around their wrist for the same reason. Personally, I don’t use those, but I would look for that lanyard attachment on a release when buying just in case, whether you use it or not. 

Comfortable in the hand and it fits your hand size well

Handheld thumb release aids are often available in different sizes to fit a variety of hands. Most will offer a medium, large and even an extra-large. Consider the size of the release and your own hand when buying. A handheld thumb release should feel comfortable in your hand. Releases vary by the size of the finger grooves, the width of the body and the shape/sweep of the body. Thumb releases are also made in two-, three- and four-finger options. Most bowhunters will use a three-finger release, but you may find you prefer two or four. Some options also offer a fourth finger attachment or you can buy a fourth finger attachment separately. Generally, most people will prefer a three-finger, but it’s worth considering all of the available options. 

Adjustable trigger travel and tension to activate

A high-quality thumb trigger release will give you the ability to adjust the tension required for it to fire as well as the amount or distance of trigger travel for it to fire. The reason why I look for these options in a release is because I want the ability to set the trigger up for my style of shooting. Some people prefer a heavier trigger or more travel, which forces them to focus on relaxing and building tension to help them avoid the dreaded trigger punch. Some have a more static shot and prefer almost no movement or tension to have the release fire. It may take some tinkering, but you won’t be able to get the most out of your personal shot execution and style if you don’t have the ability to set the release up in a way that works best for you. 

Ability to adjust the location of the trigger barrel

Everyone’s hand is different as is the location you might want the barrel of the trigger to sit on your thumb. You should buy a release that allows you to adjust the length of the bar the trigger is attached to and rotate the barrel to find just the right spot. Additionally, some releases allow you to change the angle the barrel comes off of the release. This is a nice feature because of the angle your thumb naturally sits in. Adjustability and being able to set up your release for your hand is important.

Quiet setting/locking of the trigger mechanism

Generally speaking, this isn’t a significant issue and most releases will make a subtle click when you set the locking mechanism. It’s normally quiet enough that the chance of spooking a buck or a bull is a nonissue, but it’s worth thinking about. Some releases require you to manually lock it with a small locking lever and some will lock simply by moving the barrel of the trigger back into default firing position. I can’t say I prefer one over the other, but you will want to consider the noise of the locking mechanism and get one that is quiet or makes no sound at all. 

In conclusion, I’ll offer you some of what I consider to be the best thumb releases for hunting. 

Comfortable in the hand with the ability to purchase fourth finger groove

Spring D-loop retainment

Wrist strap loop

Micro-adjust trigger travel and tension

Contoured thumb barrel and adjustable length and position of thumb trigger/barrel

Check out a full review I wrote of the Ultraview Button Release here

Comfortable in the hand, commonly considered one of the most comfortable handheld releases

Auto closing jaw for quick and easy D-loop attachment 

Adjustable trigger tension 

Adjustable trigger position 

Lanyard attachment points

Comfortable in the hand, smooth slightly swept back handle

Three- and four-finger attachments included 

Spring D-loop retainment

Adjustable trigger tension

Adjustable barrel/trigger position and angle

Adjustable trigger travel and tension

Cocking lever closes hook in one motion for easy and quick hookup

Adjustable barrel/trigger position

Lanyard attachment hole in cocking lever