i just get a little irritated at people who stroll onto public land for a short weekend in the middle of the season and complain that there are so many stands up. i hunt public ground in central illinois and like it alot. where i hunt, they don't alow shotgun hunting. it takes time to scout a place, publis or private, and that is what i do to try to ensure that i don't get crowded out. and yes i leave my stand out, one, because i live close and it makes sense, and two, because it is not illegal in ill. if it was, i would not. if someone wants to hunt my stand when i am not there, go ahead, just don't take my gear. if it gets stolen, oh well my loss. talk to the other hunters in the parking areas in the morning and find out where they are? what times they usually hunt? everyone i talk to is very polite, because they don't want to get crowded out either. communication with other hunters is key to hunting public ground. public ground is what it is, it is public, so lets just all get along and respect each other on public ground and have a great season!