Had I been in Striker's or Wyoming Bill's shoes, I would have died on the spot. Many who live in the east and who have never seen buffalo in the wild simply cannot appreciate how big they are in the wild. Most zoo buffalo don't do the wild beasties justice.
Several years ago, in Y'stone, I made the mistake of getting out of my motorhome to get a shot of a lone bull, who was placidly grazing near the road near Y'stone Lake. My mother wanted the shot and I tried to oblige her. Luckily, I had listened to the old timers and was carefully watching thru the view finder as I moved forward. When I saw the tail go straight out, I knew it was time to leave, and I did! He was 6 feet at the shoulder, prob 2000 lbs, maybe an old outcast, etc., and I suspect a bit cranky because I had interrupted his peaceful meal. I didn't argue!
A year later, I was on the willow flats east of the Snake north of Jackson searching for a beaver dam I knew was there across one of the little streamlets, when I met a moose cow coming toward me, tearing up the willows as she came. I turned tail, and afterward saw her hoof prints up close; 6" wide, 2" deep into the soil. Again I didn't argue.
Glad I took those chances then, but wouldn't again.
Zen
