I have seen theories posted on Internet sites,books and even on Tv,concerning how Buff were hunted on horseback,by Native people with bow and arrow.Based on research,and experience,both actuall and obseved,i have reservations,Pun intended,
towards the notion,that the animal was shot,at point blank range from the archer while rideing their mounts alongside the intended target.To do so,would be way to dangerous an undertakeing.Although it most likely happened on occastion,i think it was an exception,rather than the rule.I liken the buff hunter useing a technique,very much the same,as a person ropeing a critter today.To stay back a way,and slightly quartering away.This promotes the animal running away from you and not duckin and divein as they run,makeing your throw or shot,more predictable.In essence,it is a manuever,which makes the animal think,they are outrunning you,and promotes foreward momentum.Often times,its not just in their mind.LOLAnyone who has ever run stock,especially wild stock,knows they are quick and agile.To run along side them,causes them to want to turn.If they havent been run hard or far and have the opening opposite you,they will turn away and often times,back the way they came.If the opposite side is blocked,as it probably was,in a herd situation and they were hot,as Buff dont take long to get,they will take a defensive attitude and go through you.Many liken this attitude primarily to Bulls,but i have seen it more prevalent in the Cows.They posess a maternal instinct,especially when they are nurseing.If a person,watches the Buff running sequence in DWW,you will see many of the riders,causeing this to happen,causeing all kinds of chaos.I doubt that would have been tollerated by the hunt leader,as it wouldnt be tolerated by the trail boss,on a cattle drive either.Its just not an efficient way of doing things,and makes for a very dangerous situation to riders and mounts.As for the shot process,it also seems more likely,as the shot would be away back and slightly quartering away.This would lessen the chances of rib and heavy bone being hit,inhibiting penetration.A hunter could place the arrow,behind the short ribs getting penetration to the vitals,I wish i could illustrate this,as to avoid confustion,and get a clearer picture for you.I feel,that to learn alot about how a buff was run and hunted,by the horseback archer,watch a good reining horse rider work a cow in a working pattern.Disscustion and comments are welcome.
