Abstract: An automatic bow retention device for the purpose of holding a compound archery bow under tension while removing tension from the bowstring. The device is comprised of a flexible cord which attaches to the archery bow at its two ends, a cord spool upon which the flexible cord is wound, a housing in which the spool is free to rotate and through which the cord passes, and a ratchet mechanism which engages the cord spool to the housing. A flexible spring is connected between the cord spool and the housing for automatically retracting the flexible cord onto the spool as the bow is flexed by drawing the bowstring. The ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl attached to the cord spool and ratchet teeth attached to the housing such that the pawl engages the ratchet teeth to prevent the spool from unwinding the flexible cord, thereby holding the bow under tension. Other arrangements of the pawl and ratchet teeth are possible.