I've been inpired by MochaJews stories to try out a hard tribe again--it didn't go well at all last time I tried. I've started tribes on easy & med. 2 ways, both have advantages.
1. Put everyone on fishing til they can't fish anymore, then all on researching til they can get an alternate food source. (being careful with wording here) This gives the maximum amt. of food, so it might last til they can get food again.
2. Put 2 ppl on fishing, 1 on research, & when the 4th turns 14, put them on fishing. That way gives a headstart on getting the 2nd food source.
(BTW, I "cheat" & always start a village with a runner)
Whoever has gotten a hard tribe up to the 3rd level food research, what strategy have you used for startup?