Nobody knows just exactly how old the story of the Choctaw tribe and the American Bison is. What we do know is that it certainly wasn’t the Choctaw who nearly extirpated the herds of “big shaggies” in the 19th Century; that was the fault of unregulated market hunting. The Bison are coming back, slowly, and each year a few people are allowed the privilege to hunt one. Recently, Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) was proud to host Native American and retired/disabled Marine veteran Tray Ardese on a Bison hunting in Nebraska at the Dismal River Club.
Tray Ardese is a Native American from the Choctaw tribe, a retired United States Marine with 25 years of service, and an avid hunter. He said “This was my first opportunity, but I always knew God would provide a way for me to hunt Buffalo. It just never materialized until this hunt and I am so grateful to HAVA.”
In the Sandhills area of Nebraska, along the Dismal River, retired National Football League player and Nebraska native, John Howell, hosted the hunt with Dismal River Outfitters at the Dismal River Club. A restored and now self-sustaining herd of Bison make these rolling prairie-land hills their home. Each year only a few Bison are harvested for herd management. Ardese’s hunt and experience in Nebraska was a success and he expressed extreme gratitude to all that contributed.
HAVA’s Outreach Manager, Heath Gunns, who was there to support the hunt said, “HAVA is extremely grateful to John and the Dismal River team for the work they do to help preserve the American Bison; and for this amazing and very select opportunity for a veteran to pursue such an iconic animal. We are so pleased to be a part of bringing Tray on this hunt.”
HAVA continues to adapt operations in order to continue serving our Nation’s veterans, despite the limitations imposed by COVID-19. In 2021 smaller training and hunting events will be held to conform with safety standards. Tom Taylor, HAVA’s CEO said “we look forward to a day in the very near future when we can hold our Family Day events, and other larger gatherings again, to reach as many veterans as possible. Until then, we will continue to honor those we serve with smaller range events and hunts, such as this.”
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Norris Satterly says
I am not what you would call a historian, more a history buff. I have about the genocide of the first person, the lost of their heritage ,language, their children, thank you for your story it was good to hear truth and learn about a worth while program.
Corey Western Boy says
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I know, it’s hard to believe that single race of people could come in and nearly destroy a whole lands resources like an invasive species but they did nearly just that. You are the only person to believe it to be different. History and facts are supported. This is not a theory, a debatable issue, or an accusation- these are facts.
“In the second half of the 19th century, buffalo hunters, armed with powerful, long-range rifles, began killing the buffalo in large numbers. In some cases, an individual hunter could kill as many as 250 buffalo a day.
By the 1880s over 5,000 hunters and skinners were involved in the trade, leaving the plains littered with carcasses. In the meantime, the government promoted hunting the buffalo for several reasons – so that ranchers could utilize the plains land to range their cattle without competition, to weaken the Plains Indian population and pressure them to remain on reservations, and support the railroad industry, who complained that the buffalo herds damaged tracks and delayed trains.
The killing of buffalo reduced the number of resources available to independent Native Americans and for most, the federal government’s reservation system became the only means for survival. By 1890, bison were closed to extinction with only about 750 of them left on the plains.
The Plains Indians, by that time, were mostly confined to reservations, and many, to this day, remain dependent upon the Federal Government for sustenance.” (Weiser 2020)
Take a look at the attached picture. I won’t signify any other comments with a response because anyone who believes differently is just another person who wants to perpetuate lies regarding the historical mistreatment and genocide of the first Indigenous people of this land and the near extinction of the baffalo and other medicines abs resources. Right along with our language.
On December 26, 1862, following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, the federal government hanged 38 members of the Dakota tribe in Minnesota. It was the largest mass execution in United States history.
My guess is you’re not a historian of Buffalo, cows, or Dakota people. It’s interesting you feel you can speak about things that you have not been affected by for years before you were even born. I hope you’ve learned something today.
LEON G KENOBBIE says
Just for authenticity, it would be great to see the hunters required to use a Single Shot, like a 45-70 or more, instead of a modern-day weapon.
Le
William Moody says
I thoroughly enjoyed the article, as I’m also a former Marine and my great grandfather was of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw, a shaman and a man of courage.
RIC C says
Market hunting didn’t destroy the herd, it was tick fever and blue tongue brought north with the Texas cattle drives.