Deer

The deer is the most common large prey animal on the map and the foundation of early Stone Age food supply. It poses no threat — deer flee at the sight of approaching units and will cover substantial distances before slowing, making pursuit on foot almost impossible without planning. Hunters on foot need to cut off escape routes or approach from downwind while stationary; faster cavalry or units with the Hunting Parties technology can run them down directly. A single deer provides a solid food yield, and herds offer enough to sustain a small settlement for several turns. They respawn gradually, so overhunting an area will cause local shortages. Track the herds, plan your approach carefully, and use terrain to funnel them — speed and positioning matter far more than raw combat ability when hunting deer.