NORTH AMERICAN BISON
Hunting
How they were hunted
A hunt was done in large groups and organized with a head chief or general taking charge. In some nations, such as the Metis, hunting parties could have up to 2,000 people. Hunting in large parties can ensure protection against other rival nations and it is safe to have a large force whilst approaching the enormous herds of bison. Horses were often used in hunts because they allowed the hunters to continue advancing while the hunters sorted their weapons.
Hunting techniques
There were a number of techniques which were performed in order to hunt bison, the most common one being to steer a herd off the edge of a cliff, leaving a pile of carcasses on the ground. This traditional method can be recognized by the archaeological site ‘Head-Smashed’ in Buffalo Jump, Alberta.
Other hunting techniques include the surround method - where hunters split into groups trying to encircle a herd - and the run/jump method - where a group of hunters hide behind a cliff or hillside before preparing to charge at a herd, frantically trying to eliminate as many as possible before the herd dispersed.
Tools and weapons used
Prior to the great fur trade and before firearms became common use, hunters used bows and arrows and spears to carry out their hunts. During the time when firearms were newly introduced, some tribes opted to continue using their traditional weaponry over firearms, as bows and arrows were considerably more efficient in terms of reload time.
Were women involved in hunts?
Traditionally, the men were the hunters, but in some communities, such as Metis, women would join the hunt with the role of collecting the carcasses and taking any actions necessary to prepare it to bring home.