in early 1885, the 9th cavalry was reposted to wyoming and nebraska. day volunteered for service with the apache scouts when he learned that the army was in need of officers with desert experience. he participated in a lengthy, strenuous pursuit of geronimo later in the year that engaged the apache leader twice and nearly captured him once. day was eventually reassigned to the 9th cavalry and served as its regimental quartermaster, a position that he held after the close of the indian wars in 1890.