Buffalo pound facts for kids
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A buffalo pound was a special kind of trap used by native peoples of the Great Plains in North America. These clever traps were built to catch large groups of American bison, also known as buffalo. It was a very important hunting method for these communities.
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What Was a Buffalo Pound?
A buffalo pound was like a big, circular fence or corral. It had a wide, funnel-shaped path leading into it. Hunters would guide buffalo along this path and into the enclosed area. Once inside, the buffalo were trapped and could be hunted safely.
How Were Buffalo Pounds Built?
Building a buffalo pound was a big job that needed teamwork. People would use wood, rocks, or even snow to create the strong walls of the corral. The walls had to be tall and sturdy enough to keep the powerful buffalo inside.
The Funnel-Shaped Path
The path leading to the pound was very important. It was often made by arranging rocks or piles of brush in a V-shape. This V-shape would get narrower and narrower, guiding the buffalo straight into the pound's entrance. Sometimes, people would even build small fences or use flags to help direct the animals.
How Did They Hunt Using a Pound?
Hunting with a buffalo pound was a carefully planned event. Hunters, often on foot or horseback, would slowly guide a herd of buffalo towards the pound. They might use loud noises, shouts, or even fire to scare the buffalo and make them run in the right direction.
Driving the Buffalo
Once the buffalo were moving, the hunters would keep them running along the funnel-shaped path. It was a dangerous but exciting chase. The goal was to get as many buffalo as possible into the pound without letting them escape.
Inside the Pound
After the buffalo were inside the corral, the entrance would be quickly closed. This trapped the animals. The community would then work together to hunt the buffalo. This method allowed them to get a lot of meat, hides, and other resources at once.
History of Buffalo Pounds
Buffalo pounds were used for hundreds of years by many different native groups on the Great Plains. These groups included the Cree, Blackfoot, Assiniboine, and Gros Ventre.
First European Records
In 1758, an explorer and fur trader named Joseph Smith was one of the first Europeans to write about seeing a buffalo pound in use. He saw it while traveling near the Assiniboine River. His records help us understand how these pounds worked long ago.
The Name "Poundmaker"
The famous Cree leader, Poundmaker, got his name because he came from a family known for building buffalo pounds. His name, "Poundmaker," literally means someone who makes these important hunting structures. This shows how central buffalo pounds were to the culture and survival of these communities.
Why Were Buffalo Pounds Important?
Buffalo pounds were more than just a hunting tool. They were a way for entire communities to work together. They provided a reliable source of food, clothing, and shelter materials. This method of hunting helped sustain many native peoples on the Great Plains for generations.
