Release assembly for crossbow

A method of operating a crossbow, the crossbow including a riser, first and second limbs coupled to opposing ends of the riser, each of the limbs having a limb tip, a bowstring extending between the limb tips of the first and second limbs for propelling an arrow, an elongated frame member having a first end coupled to the riser and an opposing second end, and a trigger disposed proximate the second end of the elongated frame member, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a movable bowstring release assembly, the movable bowstring release assembly being movable relative to the first and second ends of the elongated frame member, the movable bowstring release assembly including a bowstring hook for selectively engaging the bowstring, and the movable bowstring release assembly including an actuating lever for releasing the bowstring hook from the bowstring;
• b. attaching a rope to the movable bowstring release assembly;
• c. moving the movable bowstring release assembly, including the bowstring hook and the actuating lever toward the bowstring to engage the bowstring hook with the bowstring;
• d. pulling the rope to retract the movable bowstring release assembly, including the bowstring hook and the bowstring engaged thereby, and including the actuating lever, toward the second end of the elongated frame member until the bowstring is in a drawn position, with the movable bowstring release assembly proximate the second end of the elongated frame member, and the actuating lever of the movable bowstring release assembly proximate to the trigger of the crossbow;
• and
• e. operating the trigger to release the bowstring from the bowstring hook, and to propel an arrow.