Final answer:
The ancient method of hunting bison that archaeologists found evidence for in Texas and Montana is the use of a spear-thrower, or atlatl. This tool allowed for safer hunting by increasing the distance and power of spears or darts, and it was a key technology during the Paleo-Indian era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence in places like Texas and Montana that ancient hunters used the spear-thrower (atlatl) as a method for hunting bison. The atlatl is a tool that functions as an extension of the arm, increasing the kinetic energy and range of a spear or dart, thus allowing hunters to keep a safe distance from their large and potentially dangerous prey. Among various strategies, such as driving bison herds over cliffs, the use of the atlatl was vital due to its increased speed and range, enabling more efficient hunting.
The Paleo-Indian era is known for the use of the atlatl, particularly in the late stages when it became a significant part of the hunter's toolkit. This era spanned until about 8,000 BCE, with nomadic hunter-gatherers such as the Clovis culture utilising the atlatl to hunt the megafauna of the Paleolithic, including bison, mammoths, and mastodons.