Final answer:
Hunting and gathering groups between 12,500 BP to 10,500 BP settled in areas with enough natural resources for year-round gathering, following the migratory patterns of animals, and chose locations with stable food supplies and mild climates for winter settlement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hunting and gathering (H&G) groups from 12,500 BP to 10,500 BP likely settled in regions that had abundant natural resources for year-round gathering and possibly followed migratory patterns of game animals. Although not explicitly mentioned in the sources provided, we can infer from their nomadic nature that they would choose areas that supported a stable food supply throughout the year, such as fertile valleys or regions where food sources like salmon were plentiful, aligning with descriptions similar to the ones provided of Leif's companions regarding the river and the lake with abundant salmon. It is important to note that prehistoric settlements are difficult to pinpoint precisely without specific archaeological evidence, but these groups typically settled where environmental conditions supported year-round survival with available food and a mild climate.