The products of the chase were also of great importance. The principal
animal sought was the bison. One or two large scale hunting trips were
organized yearly. The entire population of the earth lodge village
moved to designated hunting areas. In pre-horse times the main method
of hunting was the surround, although some hunters probably also worked
singly, as they did in later times. The only weapon regularly used was
the bow and arrow. The most important of these hunts was conducted in
the early summer and ended just in time to harvest the crops.
Although the bison was the major subsistence animal, many other animals
were hunted, especially for skins. Elk, deer, and antelope were taken
by surrounds and “still hunting” or stalking. Beaver and otter were
snared for their pelts; bears, cougars, and skunks were valued for both
meat and hides. Prairie chickens and quails were hunted by boys with
long withes.