What can anyone do except move on?
I have thought that through a bit and so much of it depends on the kind of person they are. The optimistic side of me says that I might find a good hunting partner out of this scenario or someone to at least compare notes with after they move on. The pessimistic side of me says I move down the ridge or to another camp spot, but don't change my hunt. I think the reality of this hypothetical would be somewhere in between and we'll coordinate somehow to keep from stepping on each others toes.
I do think there's a subset of the hunting community that does believe having history with a spot or stashing wood/gear/water/etc. overrides first-come, first-served principles (hence my initial post). They might view the stash of wood as a way to mark their territory or maybe claim that they were there first. The fire ring has likely been there for years and years so I can't give that much credence.
Or by hunting it several years in a row.
The fire ring may have been used for years, by that same party. Or just prior to you being there, or by nonhunters. We just don't know for sure. But, I think it's best to treat people with the benefit of the doubt, and to not paint ourselves into a corner. We just never know the full story or where the animals may be so there's no advantage to over-analyzing or over-planning. Scout some other areas too so that if your planned ridge doesn't pan out for any reason.
Don't forget the winning prize of cut firewood.
