answersLogoWhite

0

Hunting buffalo was always a man's role and was extremelydangerous. Only the best and fastest horses would be trained for use in hunting, since horses are naturally terrified of getting close to a charging animal which is armed with horns. The hunter needed two hands for bow and arrows, so he had to control the horse entirely with his legs and the horse must instinctively run close to, and just behind, the buffalo's chest area. The hunter tried to get within 10 feet of the animal (usually a large buffalo cow, but sometimes a larger bull).

The best approach was on the right side of the buffalo so the hunter could shoot his arrow to the left. He tried to shoot forwards, under and into the animal's rib cage, so the arrow would penetrate heart or lungs. He always carried the first arrow on his bow and a second in his mouth, ready for another quick shot if it were needed.

In the heat and danger of the chase arrows would often miss vital organs and the hunter might have to shoot three or four arrows before the animal stopped; at that point it would try very hard to kill both the hunter and his horse. Many hunters were gored or trampled to death by wounded buffalo.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?