Final answer:
The timeframe of a buffalo hunt by Plains Indians varied depending on many factors, including the size of the herd and hunting methods. Efficient hunting became more pronounced after the introduction of horses, and individual hunts could span hours to days.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how long it would take for Plains Indians to slaughter a herd of buffalo is steeped in historical context rather than having a precise answer measurable in units of time such as minutes or hours. The efficiency of buffalo hunting changed dramatically with the introduction of horses by the Spanish in the 1500s.
This advancement enabled Plains Indians to transition from large-scale hunting strategies, like driving herds off of cliffs, to more sustainable methods where fewer animals could be killed at a time using their skills as horsemen.
The nomadic lifestyle of Plains Indians was closely connected to the bison herds that roamed the Great Plains, as bison were vital for their food, clothing, and shelter.
The hunting methods evolved over time, and while the duration of a hunt could vary, the process of driving herds to cliffs known as 'buffalo jumps' and the subsequent processing of the carcasses was arduous and could take many hours or even days, depending on the size of the herd and the number of hunters involved.