A device for holding archery bows and/or other hunting accessories is provided. The hunting accessory holding device includes a base member that attaches to a mounting substrate such as a tree, an arm assembly that is configured to hold the archery bow, and a lift mechanism that connects the arm assembly to the base member. The lift mechanism automatically retracts the arm assembly upwardly, from an extended position to a retracted position, when the bow is removed from the arm assembly, thereby removing the arm assembly from the hunter's view and way. The lift mechanism can include a spring that provides a retracting force for moving the arm assembly. As desired, the lift mechanism can also provide an adjustable or variable braking force that opposes the retracting force and enables the hunter to determine a rate of arm retraction, as desired.