Salem

So what i think is that killing deers are better to get the brain because the beaver can team up with other beaver if they are near another beaver. Also the beaver is fast and can take at least 15 health out of you very fast if you are close to them. While the deer, while it charges at you bullrun at it too. That cancels out it's stun and you only stay still for a few seconds before you can move. Tell me what you think to get brains.

Beaver skins sell for more than deer skins - or leather made from it for that matter - and you can just run after a beaver to split it from its group, so you avoid being attacked by all of them. So, I'd go with beavers.

The best way to kill deer or beaver with low humors and Backally Pugilism skills only is to construct a makeshift fence (at least 6x6 so that you can avoid the beaver tail sweep area of effect) and kite the animal to the fence while you close yourself inside and stomp it to death.

Just don't get chain hit by the deer while running to the fence. Unless the beaver is doing its song and dance, you can easily outrun it to the fence.

With this method you should be able to kill either animal with 15-20 YB.

Do others agree?

edit to answer the question: If I had a choice, I would pursue beaver before deer. However, kill anything you can using the above method. For leather, use rabbit hides and save some deer hide for buckskin inlays for the tree chopping +10 (I'm not sure if they are worth the defensive stats). Sell the beaver pelt for 12 silver.

edit to add: My personal experience informs me that once humors are sufficient to kill a beaver in one hit (at least the first beaver) I could reliably find them on the beach of the Boston claim.

I think it really comes down on which meat is more valuable bile wise.

a deer of meat also almost fills a compost bin!

Beavers are easier to kill and the skin is worth more as silver. This gives you a free brain to use on snake and rabbit skins. On the other hand deer have a higher yield and you can use the brain and skin for leather.

My personal choice is the beaver. They are usually found in groups, you can hunt for them quickly using a canoe, and I like having the bonus silver. They are also easier to kill. I get a lot of snakeskins from stumps, and from killing snakes, so the brain is worth more than a hide to me.