An archer release aid includes an engagement mechanism that is operated by a thumb or finger of an archer to engage and retain a bow string or attachment thereto such as a D-loop. The engagement mechanism may be biased so that when the archer releases pressure on the actuator, the engagement mechanism disengages the bow string. A locking mechanism may be operated by another finger of the archer, such as the little finger, to lock the engagement mechanism in the engaged position. The release aid allows muscle relaxation, rather than muscle tension, to be the final triggering mechanism.