when i first started out i used a release.for my fist 4 years but never had a consistent pattern.but now i shoot with fingers and i havn't missed a buck yet..its all really what you are comfertabe with..i don't use a scope on my rifle either so i guess i'm more of a traditionalist or something.

I've been bowhunting for 41 years, I do not use a release. I have tried it and didn't care for it. I shoot fingers and Im just as accurate as anyone I've ever shot with that uses a release and actually better than most. And I've never forgot my fingers or had them break while hunting.
I think it's up to the individual. If you can shoot better with one use it.
I do use a scope on my rifle but I have a see through mount because like a release the scope or anything mechanical can become defective. The simpler things just seem to have less problems.

To add, most pro shops are telling rookies to go straight to a release and bypass even trying fingers.

Lefty Llewellyn

Without a method of releasing the string, the bow will never shoot. Fingers are the "natural" release.

Hunting is a right, treat it like a priviledge - respect nature

For me, a release is an absolute necessity on any bow that is less than 8" longer than my draw length, or with a bow that is more than 70% letoff.

I've got a couple of older bows that measure 46 and 48" long, one is 50% and the other is 65%. Based on my average field archery scores, I can shoot both those bows MORE accurately with fingers than I can my 36", 75% bow with release. But then, I only started using a release 3 years ago and I've shot fingers coming up on 47 years this April.

I still haven't gotten over the feeling that a release disconnects me from the act of shooting the bow. I like having my fingers on the string. I feel like it gives me total control over the shot and that gives me a lot more confidence in my shooting.

One reason the pro shops recommend starting out with a release: They get more profit from selling releases than they get from selling tabs. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

(No offense meant, Len, Pinwheel, et al. Just jerking your chain.)

jjones,

I have to agree with pretty much every thing everyone else is saying, but the key to shooting well is the same with a gun and bow. You MUST remain consistant. Using a string release is a shortcut to doing this instead of using fingers. I use to shoot with fingers and got dime size groups at 30 yds. and then went to a release and started breaking arrows consitantly. Because of the consistantcy of the release. That is the releases biggest advantage. I also would like to add that a short bow doesnt mean that you have to use a release it just makes getting a clean release easier. Thank you for reading my thoughts.

When I bought my first bow 6 years ago. The shop owner REFUSED to sell me a release until I learned to accurately shoot with my fingers. He did this because he explained the importance of being able to still shoot if something were to happen to my release or if I lost it while hunting.

I have since switched to a release and just this year needed to draw on a deer while the release was still in my fanny pack. I was setting up a new stand when I heard a commotion behind me. I looked and saw a deer moving my way. Now I didn't have my release on and no time to get it so I picked up my bow, nocked an arrow and drew back. The deer turned out to be a small doe and I passed on the shot. But had it been a nice buck I would have thanked my shop owner up and down for teaching (or forcing) me to learn how to finger shoot. As you may have guessed by now, I feel it is important to learn both ways and then do what feels right for you.

That sounds like a neat idea, But if your bow is set up and tuned to shoot with a release chances are it won't shoot too well with fingers. And a broad head would even make it worse. I wear my release to my stand that way I am ready on the way. It also keeps me from forgetting it.

To answere your question jjoel, no you don't need a release to use a bow, but in my opinion they make shooting more accurately easier. If I could not use a release I would most likely not use my bow any more. I just like triggers.

Paul

I wouldn't compare it to putting a scope on your rifle. More like getting a trigger job done on your rifle.

&quot;Nocked,cocked & ready to rock&quot;