The military wanted to get rid of the threat of Plains Indians, and decided to take away their source of food. Without a source of food, natives would be forced to live on reservations. ... Many bison were killed on behalf of the U.S. military, with the meat left to rot so that the natives could not use them as food.

Why did the bison hunt happen?

There were two main reasons to have such large hunting parties. The first was to provide protection from rival Indigenous nations such as the Sioux (Dakota) and the Blackfoot (Siksika). The second reason was to have a large force with which to approach the enormous herds.

Why did Native Americans use bison?

Bison were a symbol of life and abundance. The Plains Indians had more than 150 different uses for the various bison parts. The bison provided them with meat for food, hides for clothing and shelter, and horns and bones for tools. ... Everything the Plains Indians needed for life, the bison provided from its body.