I am just curious.......how many of you take your stands out of the woods every year? The reason for my question is I have left my ladder stands in the tree for 2 years now, and they are still in great condition. I know I probably should take them out every year, but IMO, if they do not rust out, and the straps are still in place, why take them out. I will take them out after this season just to go over them with a "fine tooth comb". I know of hunters who have never taken their stands out of the woods. I would not leave them in the tree that long, but I have no problem with a couple of years of keeping them in the woods!!!!