Release Aids: Do You Use a Clean One for Hunting?

My Scott Archery Little Bitty Goose release (l) after I lost the trigger.

As I caught up on emails over the weekend, I received an excellent question regarding my archery release from Army Ranger Kelly Freeman.

Do you change releases to hunt? I used to be a sniper in the sandbox. Just getting back to bow hunting. I shoot a Scott release and really sweat at practice. I must say I’m in Bakersfield and its 104. But I shoot at least 70 arrows every day.

I wrote back and explained that I use the same release I practice with the hunt with. I wash it and spray it down, but I think Kelly is on to something. It might not be a bad idea to switch to a clean, sweat free release. I had never really thought about it before, but like Kelly I sweat a lot when shooting.

Back East, I would shoot and always used the same release. I would sweat, but not like I do out here in Southern California. Out of all of the things I changed out here between using ozone on my clothing and spraying down, I never gave changing my release much thought. As I pondered the idea of changing out my release I really think Kelly hit on a good point. I spend lots of time and money making myself as scent-free as possible, but I always use a sweat-soaked, stinky release. While I do wash it, I am sure the deer and pigs can smell it.

One of the reasons why I haven’t considered changing my release is budget. Most of us can’t afford two or three of the same release. Why do I say three? I will need three releases to carry out this strategy properly. One for practice and two for hunting. I always carry a backup release while hunting. I have had my release hang up on me and had parts fall off while hunting (see my 2011 whitetail hunt for the entire story). Having a backup saved my hunting trip! I used a Scott Little Bitty Goose and I love it. It is a wrist-strap type release and I have used it for a few years. While it is now and extension of my arm when hunting, I think it is time to reevaluate my tactics. I have decided that I am going to pick up another one and have it as my hunting release and leave the stinky one at home. Hopefully, this will get me closer to game and keep my stink down as much as possible.

Kelly, thanks for the excellent question! Even this old dog can learn a thing or two and I appreciate the new found knowledge. Time to start selling some of the gear I am not using and pick up another Scott Little Bitty Goose release.