The strategy of Native Americans during the Indian Wars was more nuanced than simply "collecting scalps."
Their preferred method was to utilize a strategy this author would describe as "guerrilla attrition." Instead of starving out their opponent with a siege by surrounding them, Native Americans would uniquely use guerrilla raids to attack the provisions, animals and supplies necessary for the survival of their foes.
One of the more successful and best examples of guerrilla attrition by the Native Americans was their raids on the Bully Bueno Mine.