Fellow Washingtonian- Anthony Camera in his book utilizes a mech release to demonstrate what a surprise release feels like- don’t see any reason not to use one if it causes you to more comfortly shoot.
Mike Richardson at www. primitiveways.com has a couple of very interesting articles on using and making thumb rings for use on a western-style longbow i.e. left side arrow rest for a right-handed shooter- he uses a 4mm cord tied to the string below the nock, just larger then what some compound guys use. I’m in the process of making one and will report back on the results.
Hope these couple of ideas help you.
Good hunting-Bert

I do not see why it would not work other than possibly changing the stress area of three fingers and concentrating it to one release. For whatever reason I did see a recurve break in the hands of a man at full draw with a release, but then again it could have just been that bow’s time.

Konrad,
Last July I was involved in a 4 wheeler accident with my grand daughter. Fortunately we had minor injuries with no lasting effects. I fractured a rib in my back and broke the index finger on my right ( string ) hand. My elk hunt was eight weeks away. Missing it was not an option.

After two weeks in a splint I went to see a hand surgeon. He looked at my x-rays and all the arthritis I had in my fingers and told me to throw the splint away and start usuing my finger. Of course I started shooting a light ( 25 lb ) bow and experimenting with different shooting methods. Middle and fourth finger under and other variations. I gradually worked up to more wieght in my bows and was able to shoot my 55 lb longbow just before we left for Colorado. One of the things I did was order a mechanical release from Cabelas and give it a try. I was AMAZED at how easy it was and how tight my groups were. Of course, being a staunch traditionalist I did not want to have to use it to hunt. Fortunately I recovered in time and did not use it. I sent it back to Cabelas in exchange for a ladder stand. However, if the only way I could shoot my longbow and go hunting was to use a release I would not hesitate to use it. It sounds like you might be at that point. You seem to be in much pain.
I would give it a try.
Good luck,
Nick

Konrad — generally speaking, the trigger release represents just about everything we want to get away from with the simplicity of trad archery: just one more gadget to buy, to lose or have go wrong. (I once guided a compound bowhunter, older gentleman, who broke into tears after humping a really steep mountain before daylight, when he realized he’d left his release behind!)

But brother, when we’re talking physical problems, anything goes and you should be applauded for switching to trad at all with such a painful situation. I will never use a compound or cross-gun, because I am an archer. But if I had your problem, I wouldn’t think twice about using a release if it allowed me to practice more, shoot better, and keep from injuring myself more. Seems like a simple thing to try out for yourself. bb

Not traditional, but possible, effective, and useful if you no longer can use your fingers, but still would like to shoot trad bows. About a year after selling my compound ( I just had a one year love affair with it, HA), I discovered I still had a leftover release. Just being curious, I took a few shots with my trad bows, at that time they were a 68″ yew lams longbow and a Hatfield recurve, using that release. After settling on different anchor points than finger release, I remember that it worked very well. Of course that release is long gone:lol:

if it will help you shoot then do it.